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

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

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the squad strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.

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

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.