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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates 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 reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.