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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.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half 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 think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.