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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

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

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

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

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.