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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 on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

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

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.