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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be 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 to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress off England.