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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

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

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

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on 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, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.