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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

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

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.