The Reasons England's Rising Star Represents England's Number One Fly-Half

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's fly-half against New Zealand this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display observed from an England fly-half in several years.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to calm the team strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's primary fly-half and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He's progressing 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 their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

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

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I don't think he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's defensive line, so it has remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts are not something that can be taught.

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress away from the national team.