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

According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering about how to create a difference when he comes on.

His decision-making and error rate have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as that kind of impactful performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

This role that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember when he got the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought the team required to turn the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure the opponents applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off England.