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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn 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 that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.