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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach 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 control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

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

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

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

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.