🔗 Share this article

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

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive display we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to calm the team strategically while making big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I think Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the match unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer in the number fifteen position, so that is a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge England's backfield, so it has remain watertight.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

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

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

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought the team required reversing Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from England.