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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.