The Reasons Fin Smith Represents The National Team's Number One Playmaker

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

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

There are so many considerations occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.