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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

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

I think the manager the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

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

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

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue 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 job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.