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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.