🔗 Share this article

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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His game management was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made several crucial decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

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

I think head coach Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has demonstrated his capability during important international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that choice was to provide continuity while acknowledging his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies lost in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how below par Australia performed.

The Fijian team, by contrast, were much more dangerous while offering a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford pushing him while providing support, I think Fin will be in an excellent place in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as a possibility when appropriate and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he requires liberty to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence as substitutes.

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

The All Blacks substitute watches the game develop from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced significantly from his initial professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as that kind influential performer, then having him in the backfield might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

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

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 that should be in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make right choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball during one phase within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford also stood up during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I believe we have two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defensive work combined with everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round performer.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to adjust your defensive system when you have an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

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

Numerous considerations that go on privately, however the management decide to go, it will give New Zealand difficulties.

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

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

Fin's ability to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off England.