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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.