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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning 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 deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.