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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

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

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates nearby, 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 standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

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

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.