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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star 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, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.