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

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered 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 demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.