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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus 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.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

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

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.