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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than 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 occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.