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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, 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 versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.