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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.