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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

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

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

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

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.