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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

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

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.