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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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 deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

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

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.