Why Fin Smith Is England's Top Choice Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.