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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.