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

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - 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 Leadership

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

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one playmaker and he should begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, because Fin has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get overly excited about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia performed.

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

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - projecting forward two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing players who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

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

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type of impactful performer, including him in the backfield might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has to be watertight.

This role requiring to become a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the ability to make the correct decisions under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I recall as he received the ball at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity to organise teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary option.

I hope to witness him receiving the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of an individual being a little more passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring privately, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from the national team.