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

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going as expected 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 nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

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

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.