Why Fin Smith Represents England's Number One Playmaker
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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.
Fin Smith delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.
How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.
His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.
Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership
His capacity to settle the squad strategically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.
In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.
I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability during important Test matches.
Team Selection Amid Rivalry
The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his form during the visit to South America.
But England's performance 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 not get overly excited with that win, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.
Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.
Long-term Potential
Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I think Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.
Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.
He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.
Bench Impact
New Zealand introduced their impact player, who scored the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the importance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.
That kind of player might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.
McKenzie watches the game develop while substituted and thinks about how he can make an impact when he comes on.
His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial professional days.
Role Discussion
Should we develop Marcus to be such type of impactful player, including him in the backfield could be valuable.
However, at the moment I don't think he is the answer in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.
The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, so it has remain watertight.
It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.
Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back at the highest level.
I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.
I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.
Natural Instincts
Clearly there exist a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.
Fin has the ability executing right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.
I recall as he received possession during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.
But in those split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back applying the screw.
That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles while claiming global tournaments.
All-round Ability
He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.
I hope to witness him receiving the chance demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.
In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite delivered in the very highest-pressure games.
I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete all-round player.
Defensive System
It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker channel, rather than someone who is a little more passive.
One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.
There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.
This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.
This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.
Fin's ability selecting the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure away from the national team.