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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.