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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated 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 aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

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

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.