Why England's Rising Star Is The National Team's Top Choice Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

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

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

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

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.