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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

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

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.