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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus 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 scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn'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 domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.