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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think 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.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players 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 accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.