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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

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

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

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

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.