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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 on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked 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 considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.