🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

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

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

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

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand 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 England.