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

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

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

I think the manager the England coach sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off England.