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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

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

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.