🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he showed an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made some strong choices during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something you can really coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked like it could be on if they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

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

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.