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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil 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 performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

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

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

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins 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 as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.