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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

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

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

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

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

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

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.