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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

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

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from England.