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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

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

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.