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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

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

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.