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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.