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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji 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 overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

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

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

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 pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.