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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress off England.