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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.