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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

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

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.