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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.