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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

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

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.