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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, 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 step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think 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 against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

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

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

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

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.