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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to show his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe Marcus represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

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

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct choices under pressure - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

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

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

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

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected can put the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.