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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

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

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning 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 match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.