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

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

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

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

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

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

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

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.