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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

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

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles 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 constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.