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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half 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.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

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

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with 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 within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.