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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed 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 to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.