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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

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

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

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

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

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

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off England.