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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

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

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.