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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.