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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 versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen 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 game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

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

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.