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

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

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

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

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

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

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

However, at the moment I believe he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

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

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received possession at one stage just inside his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing teammates nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible territorial gains can take all the stress away from the national team.