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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.