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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.