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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 New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands 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 comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.