The Reasons England's Rising Star Is England's Top Choice Fly-Half

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial choices when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His ability to settle the team tactically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

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

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

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

He's progressing as a player and is starting to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his distinctive attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced significantly since his early professional days.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions threat.

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

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

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

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

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

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need as primary option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, particularly during domestic matches week in and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded versatile player.

Defensive System

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

One might make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off the national team.