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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

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

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn'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, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.