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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given 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.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.