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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

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

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.