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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.