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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.