🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance observed by an English fly-half for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

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

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy on Saturday, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher challenge.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering backup, I think Smith will find himself in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career and is starting to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on their impact player, who scored the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith to be that kind influential player, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, making it a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be watertight.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions threat.

Currently, I believe Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

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

I want possession under his control frequently, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

There are obviously a lot of similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his own half appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked to pressure them back and turn the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, and the understanding that he mustn't always need as primary receiver.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think we have two fly-halves capable of performing the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, establishes him as the more complete all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off substitution.

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

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on picking the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting the right kick while delivering for a potential territorial gains might relieve pressure away from England.