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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding 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, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.