As RUCK prepares to partner with Ultimate Sevens for the inaugural championship launching this September, we continue our search for the seven greatest players ever to run out in each position.
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This time, we take a look at the top seven scrum halves to ever wear the nine jersey upon the international men’s test level. From the fearless attacking instincts of legendary Welsh greats to the relentless precision of the All Blacks in the nine jersey, the scrum half position has produced some of rugby’s most influential figures.
Modern superstar’s emerge from France, to force their way into the conversation, that also features some of the most decorated Springboks and Wallabies to ever wear the green or gold.
Before we get stuck into the seven greatest scrum-halves of all time, we have a run down of a trio of unforgettable scrum halves that just fall outside of the top seven.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
MATT DAWSON (ENGLAND)
One of the most recognisable members of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side, Matt Dawson combined quick service with an aggressive running game and a sharp rugby brain. The Northampton Saints legend won 77 England caps and toured three times with the British & Irish Lions, becoming a key figure during one of the most successful periods in English rugby history.
WILL GENIA (AUSTRALIA)
Will Genia was one of the finest all-round scrum-halves of the professional era. The Wallabies star won 110 Test caps, played at three Rugby World Cups and helped Australia reach the 2015 final. Quick, intelligent and dangerous around the fringes, Genia was capable of controlling a match with his passing and kicking before producing a decisive break himself.
JUSTIN MARSHALL (NEW ZEALAND)
A hugely experienced figure for both the Crusaders and All Blacks, Justin Marshall won 81 Test caps and formed a memorable partnership with Andrew Mehrtens. His physicality, competitiveness and willingness to challenge defenders made him far more than a traditional distributor, while his longevity at the highest level ensured he remained a major figure in New Zealand rugby for more than a decade.
TOP 7 RUGBY SCRUM HALVES OF ALL TIME
7. JOOST VAN DER WESTHUIZEN (SOUTH AFRICA)
Few scrum-halves have possessed the physical presence of Joost van der Westhuizen. At 6ft 2in, the Springbok was an imposing figure at a position traditionally dominated by smaller players, but his size never came at the expense of speed or skill. Van der Westhuizen was powerful enough to confront forwards around the fringes and quick enough to expose space in the wider channels.
He won 89 Test caps for South Africa and scored 38 tries, a remarkable return for a scrum-half. His defining achievement came at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where he played a central role in the Springboks’ historic triumph on home soil.
Van der Westhuizen also helped South Africa win the 1998 Tri-Nations and became one of the most recognisable players of his generation. Following his career, he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, with his incredible courage continuing to inspire the rugby community, as he is missed dearly to this day.
Did You Know? Van der Westhuizen’s 38 Test tries remain one of the highest totals ever recorded by a scrum-half.
6. NICK FARR-JONES (AUSTRALIA)
Nick Farr-Jones was the calm and calculating leader at the heart of Australia’s first Rugby World Cup triumph.
The Wallabies captain won 63 Test caps between 1984 and 1993, leading Australia during one of the most successful periods in the nation’s rugby history. His tactical intelligence and reliable service allowed Australia’s gifted backline to flourish, while his leadership helped transform the Wallabies into a genuine global force.
Farr-Jones was captain when Australia defeated England 12-6 in the 1991 Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham, becoming the first Wallabies skipper to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. He had already played a major role in Australia’s famous 1984 Grand Slam tour, when the Wallabies defeated England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on the same northern hemisphere campaign.
A composed organiser with an outstanding understanding of the game, Farr-Jones set the standard for the Australian scrum-halves who followed.
Did You Know? Farr-Jones captained Australia in 36 Tests and remains one of only two Wallabies captains to lift the Rugby World Cup alongside John Eales in 1999.
5. FOURIE DU PREEZ (SOUTH AFRICA)
Fourie du Preez was the complete modern scrum-half. The Springbok possessed the passing range, tactical kicking game and defensive awareness expected from an elite No.9, but his ability to read a match often placed him several steps ahead of the opposition.
Du Preez won 76 Test caps and was a crucial part of South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning side. He also helped the Springboks win the Tri-Nations in 2004 and 2009, while his club career with the Bulls included three Super Rugby titles.
His finest international moment arguably arrived during the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. With South Africa trailing Australia, Du Preez produced a remarkable tackle to prevent James O’Connor from scoring, although the Springboks ultimately lost the contest. A master of the box kick and a relentless competitor around the breakdown, Du Preez was the tactical heartbeat of the Springboks for more than a decade.
Did You Know? Du Preez was named South African Rugby Player of the Year two times, in 2006 and 2009.
