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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.