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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

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

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.