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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

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

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

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

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.