Why England's Rising Star Is England's Top Choice Fly-Half

Fin Smith in action
  • Published
    1 hour ago
  • 98 Comments

In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach by consistently making defensive hits against a physical Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of finesse and composure, and made some strong choices during moments were not going as expected in the first half.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Leadership

His capacity to calm the squad tactically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand next week.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly too, since Smith has demonstrated he can perform during important Test matches.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership reasons, and part of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, that could have been more comprehensive given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith is still only 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Smith will find himself in a very strong place in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive score to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing players who can make a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and error rate have improved significantly from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Smith to be such type influential player, then having him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a position remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing England's defensive line, therefore it must remain watertight.

This role that needs transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I don't think Smith is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, especially during the last quarter.

Natural Instincts

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

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

I recall as he received possession at one stage within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, therefore he punted it to pin the opponents applying pressure.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity to organise teammates nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first option.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, especially at club level week in and week out.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is somewhat passive.

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

Numerous considerations occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

This time, whichever fly-half they choose can put New Zealand significantly.

Fin's ability selecting the right kick and execute for a potential territorial gains might relieve all the stress off England.

Nicholas Matthews
Nicholas Matthews

Lena Visser is a music journalist and producer with a passion for avant-garde and electronic music, exploring the intersection of art and technology.