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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

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

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, 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 games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.