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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

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

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

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 the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be 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 it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.