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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

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

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

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

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.