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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think 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 that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way 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 picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.