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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

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

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.