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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.