🔗 Share this article

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

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half 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 decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the squad tactically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

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

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par Australia were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I believe he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession under his control frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.