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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging 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 versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however 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.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.