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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins 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 always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.