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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

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

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off England.