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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe 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 for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered 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 show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

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

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.