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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.