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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.