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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 this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.