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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

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

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

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

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.