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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.