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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.