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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds 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 that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

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

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.