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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

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

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.