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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with 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 an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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 and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

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

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous 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 remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.