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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.