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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

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

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.