The Reasons Fin Smith Represents The National Team's Top Choice Fly-Half

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

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