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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary playmaker and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove 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 are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.