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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation 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 the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.