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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.