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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

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

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from England.