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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe 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 against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.