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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies 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 versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.