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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 New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first 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 club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

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

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