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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

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

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.