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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.