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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

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

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

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

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

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.