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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.