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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively 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 see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.