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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.