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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, 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.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, 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 someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.