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

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making big calls is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

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

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.