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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

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

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.