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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

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

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

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

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

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

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.