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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.