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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 the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

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

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.