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

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English 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 proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide 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.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining 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 real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

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 somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.