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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith 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 find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.