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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level week in and week out.

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 think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.