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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating 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, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.