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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding 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 repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.