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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.