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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

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

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.