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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 versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

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

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, 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, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.