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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, 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 performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.