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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create 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 such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

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