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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form 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 lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.