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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English 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 danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.