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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

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

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.