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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.