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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

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

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

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

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia 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 the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted while considering about how 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 that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.