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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

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

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

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

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.