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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

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

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult 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, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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