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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

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

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.