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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required 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 titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.