🔗 Share this article

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks 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.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

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

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

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

From my perspective, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

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

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in an excellent place as a player.

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

He's progressing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player can be the difference between winning the global tournament or not.

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 from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

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

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

I find it difficult to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want possession under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability executing right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

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

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses that calmness under pressure directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously one might suggest there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being somewhat passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off substitution.

Numerous considerations that go on privately, 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 selecting the right player.

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

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains can take pressure away from England.