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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong 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 while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.