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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.