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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

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

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.