🔗 Share this article

In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten versus New Zealand on Saturday.

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

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, while executing several crucial decisions during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach the England coach views it similarly too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend versus the Wallabies due to captaincy considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity and reward his performance during the visit to South America.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil on Saturday, so we should not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as an option when appropriate and against the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of possessing individuals who can make genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup or not.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench while considering about how to create a difference upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Currently, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

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

I prefer possession under his control as much as possible, though I think that should be in the front line, particularly during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford and Fin Smith.

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

I remember when he got possession at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated the team required to turn Fiji round as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

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

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

In Argentina, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically one might suggest occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, rather than an individual being somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many factors occurring privately, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability selecting optimal kicks and execute enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.