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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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 in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

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

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

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

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.