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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began 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 showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.