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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.