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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

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 up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.