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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.