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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

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 views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.