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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

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

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.