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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 on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those 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 pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.