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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 the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to 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 needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.