The Reasons England's Rising Star Is England'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 on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions during moments didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the team tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and deserves to start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as an option at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type influential player, then having him among substitutes could be valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.