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

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

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

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

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

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from the national team.