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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.