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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

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

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.