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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the coaches decide to go, 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, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.