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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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 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 all the stress off England.