Why Fin Smith Represents England's Top Choice Playmaker

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith 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 delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

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

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.