Why Fin Smith Represents England's Number One Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match develop from the bench while considering regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

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

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.