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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

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 form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half 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 up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

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