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

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, because Fin has proven his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form during the visit to South America.

But England's performance against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

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

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his instincts are not something you can really coach.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.