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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

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

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a 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, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.