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

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

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

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

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

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

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.