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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.