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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

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