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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.