"Sexton one of the best" - Jonny Wilkinson ranks his top five fly-halves

Jonny Wilkinson is England's all-time top point scorer with 1,179, and is best known for kicking England to Rugby World Cup glory with his weaker foot in 2003

However, all rugby fans know that simply boasting the highest point tally isn't the be all and end all when it comes to deciding the greatest number 10 of the bunch.

If you're bemoaning the absence of one of your favourite fly-half already, then we're sorry in advance, but Wilkinson spoke about his five only briefly.

“This is the key position for any winning team," said Wilkinson.

"You need guys that are going to lead and continue to do so right to the final seconds when it gets very, very tough” said Wilkinson

"The group boasts four Rugby World Cup winners, and between them the five have amassed 553 points.

"Each individual played their part in their countries’ successes and all possessed the qualities to take the pivotal spot in the team."

Wilkinson said: “He’s become established in global terms as being a star and a commanding presence. I think he’s still one of the best in the world and I was really surprised he missed out on the Lions this year.

The fly-half captains both Leinster and Ireland. He also previously represented the British & Irish Lions in both 2013 and 2017 and has scored over 900 points in his international career, making him one of the highest points-scorers in rugby union history. Sexton was the winner of World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018, having previously been a nominee for the award in 2014.

While we in England will never tire of Wilkinson’s drop goal in the 2003 World Cup Final, Aussie nostalgia freaks prefer Larkham’s 48-metre effort against South Africa in the 1999 semi-final.

A converted full back whose kicking was supposedly so errant that a triumphant TV ad poked self-mocking fun at it, Larkham celebrated his World Cup success by having laser treatment to correct his dodgy vision. 

Did you know: Larkham was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2012

Fly-half Stransky cemented his place in the hearts and minds of the nation by kicking the drop goal that saw South Africa claim the sport's biggest prize in 1995.

He also wrote his name in the history books in the opening match of the tournament when he became the first Springbok to score a try, a conversion, a penalty and a drop goal in the same game - a 27-18 win over defending champions, Australia.

Did you know: He is of English and Czech descent and Jewish on his father's side

The double World Cup-winner has established himself as one of the greatest players in history, being near faultless in every department: he can attack, break the line and kick accurately tactically or at goal. He was named the World Player of the Year in 2005, 2012 and 2015 and has won three Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, and nine Tri-Nations and Rugby Championships with the All Blacks.

Did you know: In 2008, American Cable Channel E! judged Carter to be 11th on its list of the world’s sexiest men.

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

Did you know: His son, Louis Lynagh, currently plays for Harlequins academy and has represented England U18