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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 against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.