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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess 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 is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, 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 will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.