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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

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

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.