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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

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

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.