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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.