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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.