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

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.