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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 this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.