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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 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 by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.