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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing 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 demonstrating that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.