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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

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, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.