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

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

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

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.