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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

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

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.