The Reasons England's Rising Star Is England's Top Choice Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the squad strategically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin versus New Zealand next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a role that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

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

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

I want possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be among starters, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from substitution.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

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