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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

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

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.