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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

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

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.