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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

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

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.