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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times 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 combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.