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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

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

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.