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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

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

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate 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 qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

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

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.