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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 on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.