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

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

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

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

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

However, currently 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 England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.