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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career 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 match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.