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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

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

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.