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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase 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, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.