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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

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

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

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

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

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

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

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

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

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.