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

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive 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.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.