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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 against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

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

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently 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 England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of 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 channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.