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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

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

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.