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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 versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.