🔗 Share this article

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team tactically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge England's backfield, so it has to be watertight.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Smith possesses the ability to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.