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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring 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 at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.