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

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

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

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.