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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

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