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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

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

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball 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 a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing 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 and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.