Why Fin Smith Represents The National Team's Number One Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, 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 best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times 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 defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

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

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress off the national team.