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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.