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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 on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

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