The Reasons England's Rising Star Is England's Number One Playmaker

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.