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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make important decisions 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 head coach the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score 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 might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits 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 to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.