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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.