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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.