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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.