"The Greatest" - Sonny Bill Williams Weighs In on the Dan Carter vs. Jonny Wilkinson Debate

Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at 07:55

byRugby Rucker

Sonny Bill Williams has raised eyebrows with his selection of the greatest rugby players he's ever played alongside or against.

The New Zealand legend, approached by Australian sports outlet Sporting News, unveiled his dream team, notably excluding former teammates Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who boast a collective 260 test matches for the All Blacks.

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When naming the best players he played with during his career, Sonny Bill omitted Carter in favour of England legend Jonny Wilkinson, who he played alongside at Toulon.

Williams said: “I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played with Jonny Wilkinson and have seen the commitment that he had.

"When I played with him, he was pretty much at the height of his powers, but the way he dedicated himself to his craft was unbelievable and I learnt a lot from him.”

Wilkinson, meanwhile, paid tribute to Sonny Bill when the pair were playing together. he said: "I think he will go brilliantly.

"His strength is his strength - his ability to keep the ball alive, his physicality, his ball movement and game awareness in space and people around him. I've not seen the likes of him before. He gets hurt, but never seems to go backwards."

Another player who made Williams list was legendary France flanker Thierry Dusautoir, who captained Les Bleus against the All Blacks in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

Williams added: “From my time in France I’d have to say, Thierry Dusautoir.

"He wasn't just an amazing player, but you can see the way he rallies his troops and how he performed in those big games. He’s someone I really admire.”

The 10 greatest fly-halves in rugby history – ranked

Here’s our rundown of the 10 fly-halves who redefined greatness and carved their names into rugby folklore.

10 Greatest Fly-Halves in Rugby History [Ranked]

10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)

One of the most dynamic and versatile players in modern rugby, Barrett's speed, agility, and playmaking ability make him a standout. With two World Player of the Year awards to his name, Barrett’s ability to break defenses and his electric running game have made him a constant threat at both fly-half and fullback for the All Blacks.

9. Jonathan Davies (Wales)

A Welsh icon, Jonathan Davies was known for his exceptional playmaking skills, vision, and tactical kicking. He was a pivotal player during the 1980s and early '90s, representing both Wales and the British & Irish Lions. His ability to control a game with flair and intelligence made him one of the finest fly-halves of his generation.

8. Grant Fox (New Zealand)

Fox was instrumental in New Zealand’s 1987 World Cup win, known for his kicking precision and calm under pressure. He set the standard for tactical fly-half play.

7. Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)

Sexton has been one of the top playmakers in modern rugby, guiding Ireland to multiple Six Nations titles and playing a pivotal role in the 2018 Grand Slam victory. His tactical acumen and kicking accuracy have made him indispensable for Ireland.

6. Owen Farrell (England)

Known for his leadership and incredible consistency, Owen Farrell has been a vital figure for England and Saracens over the last decade. His accurate kicking and game management, combined with a tenacious defensive edge, have made him one of the most influential players of his era.

Farrell’s ability to handle pressure and his strong leadership have helped England to numerous Six Nations titles and a World Cup final appearance in 2019.

5. Handré Pollard (South Africa)

Pollard’s calm under pressure and precision with the boot make him one of the best fly-halves of the modern era. His crucial contributions to South Africa's 2019 World Cup triumph, including his exceptional game management and match-winning kicks, have solidified his place among the greats.

4. Michael Lynagh (Australia)

Lynagh was the architect behind Australia’s World Cup-winning side in 1991. Known for his pinpoint kicking and strategic brilliance, he led the Wallabies through a dominant era in international rugby.

3. Barry John (Wales)

The Welsh maestro, known as “The King,” was a player of exceptional flair and instinctive play in the 1970s. His performances, especially on the 1971 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, solidified his legendary status.

2. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Arguably the best fly-half of the modern era, Carter's all-around game—flawless kicking, playmaking ability, and tactical awareness—helped the All Blacks dominate world rugby for over a decade. Carter played a key role in New Zealand's 2011 and 2015 World Cup victories.

1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

A fly-half whose career will forever be associated with his match-winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final. Wilkinson’s kicking ability, work ethic, and clutch performances made him one of the most celebrated players in rugby history. His ability to perform under pressure and commitment to excellence have earned him the top spot on this list.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…

This quiz challenges you to identify 10 players who earned the rare distinction of making just one appearance for the England rugby team.

These "one-cap wonders" might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.

Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!