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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

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

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from England.