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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

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

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

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

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.