The Reasons Fin Smith Represents The National Team's Number One Playmaker

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be such type influential performer, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe 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 capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in 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 delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

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

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

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