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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 the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance 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 considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.