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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.