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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English 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 a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms 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 possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

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

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.