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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

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

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.