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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.