Eddie Jones was asked just last week to settle the ultimate “winner stays on” debate: who is the greatest fly-half of all time.
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In a lineup of rugby legends, he initially stood by his former England captain, Owen Farrell, favouring him over Michael Lynagh, Johnny Sexton, Finn Russell, Richie Mo’unga, Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, Beauden Barrett, and Jonny Wilkinson.
Farrell, known for his tactical kicking, leadership, and unflappable defense, was Jones’ pick against an array of brilliance: Lynagh’s vision and precision, Sexton’s game management, Russell’s flair, Mo’unga’s composure, Barrett’s explosive pace, Davies’ creativity, and Wilkinson’s legendary drop goals and World Cup heroics.
But even Farrell, despite his resilience and leadership, eventually gave way. Dan Carter, the New Zealand legend whose all-around skills, accuracy, and calm under pressure have defined a generation, ultimately claimed the top spot in Jones’ eyes.
In the end, Jones conceded what many fans have long suspected: Carter is, without question, the greatest number 10 to ever play the game
The 10 Best Fly-Halves in World Rugby Right Now (Ranked 10–1)
In 2025, the competition for the best fly-half in world rugby has never been fiercer. These playmakers combine vision, precision, and leadership, shaping how modern rugby is played.
Here’s our ranking of the 10 best fly-halves in the world right now, based on current form, impact, and all-around class.
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10 Fin Smith (England)
He’s still only 23, but Fin Smith already plays with the maturity of a seasoned veteran. Calm under pressure, sharp with the boot, and rarely flustered on big occasions, Smith has quickly become one of the brightest prospects in world rugby.
While he found himself behind the pecking order on the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, it was more about timing than talent. Others had their moment in the sun over the summer, notably George Ford in Argentina. There’s still more consistency to find, but if his development continues on this path, it won’t be long before he’s climbing this list—and starting regularly for England.
9 Romain Ntamack (France)
It’s hard to ignore what Romain Ntamack has already achieved at just 26. A Top 14 winner, a European champion, and a Six Nations Grand Slam, he’s been at the heart of a French rugby revival.
A devastating ACL injury ruled him out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but Ntamack’s class hasn’t faded. The son of French rugby royalty, he combines composure and creativity in equal measure. His longstanding partnership with Antoine Dupont is one of the most formidable in world rugby, and his ability to manage pressure, make smart decisions, and bring others into the game keeps him among the elite.
8 Marcus Smith (England)
No player splits opinion quite like Marcus Smith. His flair, vision, and explosive acceleration can be breathtaking—but consistency remains the missing piece. When he’s on form, he plays like a street footballer in boots, creating chaos and carving defences to bits.
Yet, there’s a lingering feeling that England still don’t know how best to use him. His versatility has kept him in squads, but he’s not always trusted to steer the ship. Still, the mere fact that his selection sparks national debate says everything about his potential. If Smith ever marries that magic with steady control, he could become not just one of the best 10s in the world—but the best.
7 George Ford (England)
If you’re picking a fly-half to win a knockout Test tomorrow, George Ford might be your man. Few players boast his game management, poise, and tactical brain. Teammates speak of his intelligence with awe, and while he might not dazzle like Marcus Smith, Ford rarely lets a game slip away.
Injuries have stalled parts of his career, and a Lions omission this summer might have dented his status—but his performances for England in Argentina reminded everyone what he brings. At 32, Ford is in the latter stages of his prime, but his calm head and control are invaluable for any side with big ambitions.
6 Handré Pollard (South Africa)
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner, leading points scorer in 2019, and South Africa’s go-to man in the clutch—Handré Pollard is a player built for big moments. Calm, clinical, and composed, he’s arguably the most reliable goal-kicker in the world under pressure.
His rugby résumé is staggering: Montpellier, Leicester, Japan’s Top League, and now back home with the Bulls. Pollard’s 77th-minute penalty against England in the 2023 semi-final summed him up perfectly—ice in the veins. And when he scored all of South Africa’s points in their narrow World Cup final win over New Zealand, his legacy was sealed. He’s not the flashiest 10 on this list, but he’s one of the most decisive.
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