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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.