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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

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

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.