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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.