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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

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

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

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

But England's showing 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 overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer 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 parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

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

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure 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 to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus 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 while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.