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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.