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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

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

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.