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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 against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, 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 in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.