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

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Leadership

His ability to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

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

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

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

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

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

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