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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England 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 an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

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

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.