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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

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

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

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.