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

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely 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 enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.