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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

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

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.