Why Fin Smith Represents England's Number One Playmaker

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have enhanced significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.