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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm 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 begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.