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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

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

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.