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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

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

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

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

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.