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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

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

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

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

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.