Why Fin Smith Is England's Top Choice Fly-Half

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

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

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.