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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.