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

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.