Why England's Rising Star Is The National Team's Number One Playmaker

Fin Smith in action
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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

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 an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated in Italy last weekend, so we should avoid becoming overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

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

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance to show that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile player.

Tactical Setup

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

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 can take pressure away from the national team.

David Alexander
David Alexander

Elara Vance is an investigative journalist with over a decade of experience covering international affairs and political developments across Europe.