🔗 Share this article

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the team strategically and make big calls is something he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

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

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how below par the Australians were.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent place as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make a real impact from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be that kind of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, currently I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a role remaining unclaimed.

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

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe this should occur among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

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

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

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the more complete all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

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

Numerous factors that go on privately, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential 50-20 can take pressure off England.