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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.