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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.