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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered 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 needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

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

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.