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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.