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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 versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

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

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.