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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

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

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed 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 additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.