🔗 Share this article

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

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

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

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

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.