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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.