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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.