🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

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

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

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

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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