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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, 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 were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue 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 on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.