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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.