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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 New Zealand this weekend.

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 by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, 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 dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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 in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.