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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

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

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

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

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.