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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 against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

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 an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

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

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

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

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

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

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

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.