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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in and week out.

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

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.