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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside 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 considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked 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, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, 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 right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.