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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

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

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

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.