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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

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

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.