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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place 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 as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.