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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

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

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.