The Reasons England's Rising Star Represents The National Team's Number One Fly-Half
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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.
The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance observed by an English playmaker in several years.
His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fiji side was impressive.
His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going to plan in the first half.
Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command
His ability to calm the team strategically while making important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.
From my perspective, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.
I think head coach the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important international games.
Squad Decisions and Competition
George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.
However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.
The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.
Fiji, by contrast, proved significantly threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.
Future Prospects
Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.
Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.
He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive attributes.
Substitute Influence
The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact from the bench.
That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.
McKenzie watches the game develop from the bench while considering regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.
His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly from his initial professional days.
Positional Debate
Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential player, including him among substitutes could be beneficial.
However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.
New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.
This role that needs 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 identify the advantage of playing him in that position.
I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be in the front line, especially during the last 20 minutes.
Natural Instincts
There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.
Smith possesses the capacity executing right decisions under pressure - his instincts are not something you can really taught.
I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed on if they spread play.
However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.
That's the sort of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.
Complete Package
He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't constantly serve as primary receiver.
I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite level next week, similar to George Ford do, especially at club level week in and week out.
In Argentina, Ford similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.
I believe England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile player.
Tactical Setup
This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, instead of an individual being somewhat reserved.
You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off the bench.
Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.
That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.
This time, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.
Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.