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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 versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, 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 games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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