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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.