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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present 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, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.