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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including 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 position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

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

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.