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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.