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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

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

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

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

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 all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.