Why England's Rising Star Represents England's Number One Fly-Half

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith 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 Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

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

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.