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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.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

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

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.