🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

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

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind of impactful player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

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

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.