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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself 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 establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.