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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.