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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing 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 versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.