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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received 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 calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.