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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

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

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.