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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball 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 numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.