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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.