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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.