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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply 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 territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.