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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.