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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench 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.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress off the national team.