The Reasons Fin Smith Is The National Team's Number One Fly-Half

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must 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, proved significantly dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

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

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

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

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

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

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.