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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.