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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

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

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.