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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, 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 test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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