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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

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

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from England.