The Reasons England's Rising Star Represents England's Top Choice Playmaker

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

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

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

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

In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I believe the manager the England coach views it that way as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must avoid becoming too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself 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 as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial professional days.

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith to be that kind of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

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

New Zealand are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember as he received possession during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he thought they needed reversing Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted it to pin them back and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking securing championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the chance demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran do, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

You could also make a strong case favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off the national team.