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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

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

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.