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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

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

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

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

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from the national team.