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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.