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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team'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 fly-half 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 during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.