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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus 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 attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.