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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 without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

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

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.