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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

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

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

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

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

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

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

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.