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

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

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

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus the All Blacks this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies lost on Italian soil on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more dangerous while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him but also offering support, I think Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be considered as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand will kick to challenge the English defensive line, so it has to be impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to see the benefit of playing him in that position.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be taught.

I recall when he got possession at one stage within his own half appearing like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles while claiming World Cups.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, previously one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to modify your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering for a potential territorial gains can take pressure off England.