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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

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

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.