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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.