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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from England.