🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways 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 to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times he has not quite delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.