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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

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

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.