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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

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

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having 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 role remaining 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, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.