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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.