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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.