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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star 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 Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.