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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference 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 such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.