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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

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

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.