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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.