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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

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

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

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

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

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

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.