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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

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 considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

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

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.