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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring 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 see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.