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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 versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.