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

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up 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 off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.