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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

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

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.