🔗 Share this article

According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's number ten versus New Zealand this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive display observed from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad strategically while making big calls represents an aspect he has truly nailed.

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should start against the All Blacks next week.

I believe head coach the England coach sees it similarly too, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership reasons, and part of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked improvement compared to the display against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, proved significantly threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie observes the game develop while substituted while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type of impactful player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks will kick to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to see the advantage of playing him there.

I want the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur in the front line, especially during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his natural reactions are not something that can be taught.

I remember as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed on if they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin them back applying the screw.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships and wins global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure during intensity to organise teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest level next week, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully delivered in the very highest-pressure games.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith entering from the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, however the coaches choose to proceed, this will present New Zealand difficulties.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.