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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in and week out.

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

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.