Dan Carter, the absolute legend, smashed the Rugby World Cup twice with the Kiwis, once in 2011 and then again in 2015, capping off a jaw-dropping career.
As we geared up for the latest World Cup showdown, Sports Joe threw some questions at the maestro about the current crop of fly-halves.
First up, a player who might just miss the boat,, another dude who's definitely waving goodbye, and a couple of other big-name 10s.
See his full selection below.
#1. Romain Ntamack (France)
Ntamack, born on May 1, 1999, in Paris, is a rising star in the world of rugby. Hailing from a family of rugby legends, including his father Emile Ntamack, he has quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional skills as a fly-half.
Romain's remarkable vision, precision kicking, and superb game management have been instrumental in France's rugby resurgence. As a key player for both the French national team and Toulouse in club rugby, Ntamack continues to impress fans with his talent and potential.
Carter said: "Oh, Jeez, I went straight to, not because I think he's the best fly-half, but, obviously, because of what Romain Ntamack is going through at the moment
"Having such a serious injury right leading into a Rugby World Cup game is devastating. His form for Toulouse has been incredible.
"His combination with Antoine Dupont has been been amazing. So really sad to see him go."
#2. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton is a renowned Irish rugby legend, born on July 11, 1985, in Dublin. As an iconic fly-half, he has etched his name in rugby history. Sexton's illustrious career includes captaining the Irish national team and being a key figure for Leinster Rugby.
Known for his strategic brilliance, pinpoint kicks, and fearless playmaking, he's earned numerous accolades, including Six Nations titles and British & Irish Lions appearances. Off the field, he's admired for his leadership and commitment to the sport, making him a beloved figure in Irish rugby.
Carter said: "The way that he's evolved his game, it's similar to myself. You know he’s not gonna be scoring tries and he'll probably send me a message joking about this. He's not gonna be tries from 50 metres out, you know, beating five or six defenders to score the match-winning try.
"But his ability to control the game and influence the game has been huge for Ireland over the last few years and the big reason why they've been so successful because of his game management and the way he directs the team around the field. He’s such a pivotal, influential player.
"So hopefully, you know, he can find some form and get back from his injury and the setbacks that, that he's had recently because he's a big part of that squad."
#3. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
Mo'unga, born on May 25, 1994, in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a rugby sensation. This gifted fly-half has become a linchpin for both the Crusaders in Super Rugby and the All Blacks on the international stage.
Mo'unga's incredible speed, agility, and playmaking abilities have earned him multiple Super Rugby titles and a Rugby World Cup appearance in 2019. His precision with the boot and flair for attacking rugby make him a standout talent and a vital asset to any team.
"Who else have we got?" Dan Carter mused. "Oh, Richie Mo’unga. Jeez, he can light it up.
"We just need the All Black forward pack to really be dominant. If you can give him good go-forward ball, he can rip any team up, at any time. His combination with Beauden Barrett is a really important one, in terms of the game plan that they're trying to play. If you give him some front-foot ball, his skill-set can turn any team around."
#4. Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith (England)
Farrell, born on September 24, 1991, in Billinge, England, is a rugby stalwart renowned for his leadership and kicking prowess. He's been a linchpin for Saracens and the England national team, winning multiple Premiership titles and Six Nations championships.
Smith, born on February 17, 1999, in Manila, Philippines, is a rising star in English rugby. Known for his dazzling skills and tactical genius as a fly-half, Smith has become a key player for Harlequins and earned his spot in the England squad. His ability to orchestrate attacks and fearless kicking set him apart.
Both players embody the past and future of English rugby, with Farrell's experience complementing Smith's youthful exuberance. Together, they represent a dynamic duo poised for success on the international stage.
He said: "Whether Owen Farrell or Marcus Smith starts (for England)," said Carter, "you’ve two completely different players.
"Unfortunately, Marcus sort of hasn't had the quality ball, you know, to sort of light things up like he has in the English Premiership. He just hasn't sort of transformed that [into Test rugby] but he's an extremely skilful, quality player. And the likes of someone like Owen, who knows if he's going to play another World Cup or not.
"With that disappointment that he had in 2019, reaching the final after great game against the All Blacks and then that disappointment of not going all the way, that really adds a lot of motivation towards him as well."
#5. Handre Pollard (South Africa)
Pollard is a dynamic South African rugby sensation whose skill and determination have made him a household name in the sport. Born on March 11, 1994, in Somerset West, Pollard's journey to becoming a rugby star began at a young age.
Known for his powerful kicks, impeccable game management, and unwavering dedication, he has played a pivotal role in the success of the South African national team, the Springboks. Pollard's passion for the game continues to inspire fans worldwide as he strives for excellence on and off the field.
Carter said: "Also, Handré Pollard - you know that he's going to perform in big moments in the Rugby World Cup [knock-out] games.
"So he's a huge loss, for the Springboks to not have him there, because he would have learned so much from 2015, you know, when he played in his first World Cup and then obviously turned things are around and really drove the Springboks to victory in 2019. So he's a huge, huge loss. A couple of the top ones are not going to be there."
