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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

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

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves 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

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.