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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs 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 see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

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

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.