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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option 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 show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

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

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

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

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.