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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

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

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.