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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.