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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

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 somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.