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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

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

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed 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 playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.