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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to 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, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.