The Greatest Rugby Union Fly Halves of All-time
With the 2020 Rugby World Cup Final this weekend, fans are fortunate to be watching some of the best players in the world. There’s still ample time to back your winner too, with Bet and Skill enhanced odds enabling you to make the most of your bankroll!
In most teams, the star performer in an attacking sense is always the fly-half, with players in this position incredibly influential and considered to be the heart-beat of their attacking and defensive play.
They’re often the goal-kickers too, so a huge amount of responsibility rests on their shoulders. So, here’s our shortlist of the best four fly-halves of all time:
4. Michael Lynagh
Australian Michael Lynagh enjoyed a stellar international career that spanned from 1984 to 1995, with the fly-half playing 72 games for his country during this period.
During these games, he also set an Australian points record of 911, which stands to this day and is unlikely to be beaten any time soon.
He also played a pivotal role as Australia won the World Cup in England back in 1991, although he retired due to injury following a defeat against the same opponents in the 1995 quarter-final.
3. Jonathan Davies
In many ways, Wales’ Jonathan Davies is an unlikely Rugby Union star. However, he made up for his lack of size (he measured just 5ft 8in) with incredible pace and acceleration, whilst his handling abilities were unrivalled for the time.
He played for Wales for six years between 1989 and 1995, before he made the switch to Rugby League.
Overall, he won 37 caps and showed star quality each and every time, with his mercurial performances having lit many a Five Nations Championship.
2. Dan Carter
In truth, there’s little to choose between our top two, with our runner-up Dan Carter one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He’s also the leading points scorer in international rugby, having plundered 1,598 points in just 112 appearances.
As a player, he was near faultless. Strong in defence and attack, he could also break the line and was renowned for the quality of his kicking (both tactically and at goal).
During his career, he also won eight Tri-Nations and Rugby Championships, whilst leading the All Blacks to a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2005.
1. Jonny Wilkinson
Our number one is another of the sport’s all-time greats, and a man who is the second highest points scorer in history with 1,246 in 97 caps.
Wilkinson was also a great allrounder who had an incredible influence on his side, with England winning 67 of the 91 games that they played with him at fly half. He also remains the record points scorer at World Cups, scoring 277 overall.
His stellar moment came in 2003, when his injury time drop goal secured a thrilling World Cup victory for England against Australia.
