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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off England.