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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 New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms 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 in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

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

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.