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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.