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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 performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

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

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

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

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.