The Reasons England's Rising Star Represents The National Team's Number One Fly-Half

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie observes the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

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 this should occur in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress off England.