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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

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 consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work 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 someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.