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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.