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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

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

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.