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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

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

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need 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.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.