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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

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

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.