Why Fin Smith Represents The National Team's Top Choice Playmaker

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

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

However, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase within his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.