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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

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

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.