The Reasons Fin Smith Represents England's Number One Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia 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 below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

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

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, 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 games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

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

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off the national team.