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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.