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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, 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 combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

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

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.