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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus 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 for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.