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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

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

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing 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.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.