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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.