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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 best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.