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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

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

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.