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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing 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 recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.