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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

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

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.