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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

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

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.