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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing 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 game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think 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, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.