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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

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