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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.