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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

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

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.