In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.
Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.
His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.
His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.
His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.
From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.
I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.
George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.
But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.
Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.
Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.
Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.
The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.
He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.
New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.
Such type of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.
The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.
His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.
Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.
Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.
The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.
It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.
Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.
I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.
I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.
There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.
I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.
However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.
This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.
He also has composure during intensity directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.
I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.
During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.
I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.
It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.
One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.
There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.
This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.
On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.
Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.
Elara Vance is a technology strategist with over a decade of experience in IT consulting, specializing in digital transformation and cybersecurity solutions.