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

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

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

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

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

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.