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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

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 versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.