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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

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

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

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