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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

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

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

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

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary 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 domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile 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, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also 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, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.