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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday 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 showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches 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.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.