The battle for supremacy at fly-half is as competitive as ever, with the world’s leading No. 10s continuing to shape the biggest matches in the game.
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Following the All Blacks’ impressive 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, we take a look at the ten best fly-halves in world rugby right now.
10 Richie Mo’unga
Richie Mo’unga is set to make his long-awaited return to All Blacks action against the Lions tomorrow, with the experienced fly-half hoping to force his way into Test contention for the remainder of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The 32-year-old has not played for New Zealand since the defeat to South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. He is one of several changes made to Dave Rennie’s side for the final franchise match of the tour.
Mo’unga remains one of the most intelligent playmakers in the game. His footwork, vision and ability to read a match are among his greatest strengths, while his experience of more than 50 All Blacks appearances could prove invaluable.
9 Jack Crowley
Now approaching his prime, Jack Crowley has developed into one of the leading fly-halves in the game and an increasingly important figure for Ireland.
The 26-year-old has established himself ahead of Sam Prendergast and appears to have secured his place as Ireland’s first-choice No.10 for the foreseeable future.
Despite his relatively young age, Crowley plays with impressive composure. He has shown an ability to deliver in important matches and regularly makes smart decisions when under pressure, qualities that have helped him become a key part of Andy Farrell’s plans.
8 Handre Pollard
After Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu struggled in the opening defeat to New Zealand, Rassie Erasmus has turned to Handre Pollard and his wealth of experience for the Springboks’ second Test.
Pollard has built a reputation as one of rugby’s most dependable performers in high-pressure matches. His ability to land crucial kicks when the stakes are highest was a major factor in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs.
He may not possess the attacking flair of some of the other players on this list, but few fly-halves can match his consistency and composure.
7 Damian McKenzie
Damian McKenzie remains one of the most exciting players in world rugby, capable of producing something special whenever he has the ball in his hands.
His pace and footwork make him a constant threat, while his willingness to attack can open up opportunities from seemingly impossible situations.
Ruben Love’s form has seen McKenzie spend more time at full-back, but he remains a highly dangerous option at fly-half when required. His Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Chiefs was another reminder of his quality.
There is always an element of risk to his game, but when McKenzie is at his best, few players are more capable of changing a match.
6 Tomas Albornoz
Tomas Albornoz may currently be facing scrutiny following his suspension for his conduct towards Angus Gardner during Argentina’s defeat to England, but there is no doubting his ability as a player.
The Argentina fly-half has impressed at Test level with his sharp instincts, reliable kicking game and ability to identify space. He has quickly become an important part of Los Pumas’ attack and regularly takes responsibility for directing their play.
His performances have also been marked by a composure that belies his experience at international level.
A move to Toulon has helped further develop his game, and with his best years potentially still ahead of him, Albornoz could continue to climb this list.
5 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Despite being dropped for the second Test against the All Blacks, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains one of the most naturally gifted players in world rugby.
His difficult performance in the opening Test has seen him fall slightly down the rankings, with his display exposing an inconsistency that is not normally associated with his game. He struggled defensively against New Zealand and was unable to have his usual influence in attack.
Even so, his combination of size, pace and creativity remains rare. When he is fully fit and firing, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has the ability to take control of a match in a way that few other fly-halves can.
