The Reasons Fin Smith Is The National Team's Number One Playmaker

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has really nailed.

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

I think head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

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

McKenzie observes the match develop while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit of playing him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something you can really taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

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 can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from the national team.