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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.