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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

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

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.