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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - 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 squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

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

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.