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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 on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think 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 defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.