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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.