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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.