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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half 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.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways 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 as that kind of impactful performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

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

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing like it could be on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

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

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

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.