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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.