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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

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

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

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

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.