Best Flyhalf?

Question

Before you answer, Chris Paterson had the best percentage of place kicks in the world, both in club and country going into the six nations this year, but I want everyones opinion, cos a flyhalf is more than just a kicker, look at Freddy Michelak, magical hands....

Answer 1

Dan Carter is certainly the best behind a dominating pack. But how good is he under pressure? Will we ever find out?

*Jonboy, in this WC I can give you the examples of Tonga's Pierre Hola and Little of Fiji. Even though his forwards were under pressure, Little had 'n great game against Wales. Do you remember Hugo Porta of Argentina? In his day Argentina was always dominated up front, but Porta was still one of the worlds best. It takes 'n special flyhalf to do good things with bad ball. Carter has not proven that he can do it.

Answer 2

G'day Neil P,

Thank you for your question.

As a one-eyed Brumby/Wallaby fan, I would say Stephen Larkham although there is also a case for Daniel Carter.

Regards

Answer 3

Blouspook: name me a flyhalf who plays consistently well behind a forward pack going backwards. If you can think of anyone....would they be considered world class??

Carter is the best all-round first five. He wouldn't be the form number 10 at the moment though.

Wilkonson is the most influencial number 10. England can barely beat USA without him but look like a much better team with him.

Always admired Larkham, cuts the ABs to shreds everytime. The man is superb but his playing days look numbered... I think if he was a good goalkicker and fully fit, he would probably edge out Carter.

Edit: Good examples Blouspook. I only saw Fiji's game against Wales and Tonga's game against the Boks. I don't think either of their forward packs were "dominated". Both players got some quality ball. Fiji's scrum did get dominated but Little was getting quick and clean ball from the rucks. However I do think Little is a good example, he has been a quality player for years and Fiji are not renowned in the forwards. Hola is a talented player but he is not a complete player. I wouldn't class him as world class. I thought the Tongan scrum did "reasonably well" against the Boks. The Tongan forwards were not dominated.

My point was though... you cannot criticise Carter just because he plays behind a good forward pack. South Africa have had a good forward pack for a long time now.... how many world class first-fives have you produced since Stransky??

Answer 4

Ceri Sweeney.

Answer 5

carter, larkham, and youd have to put jonny boy in there circa his pre world cup 2003 and the finals themselves,  but i loved carlos spencer at his peak, for unpredictability and his showmanship,

Answer 6

dan carter                         silly billy

Answer 7

I think for a start you gotta have a fly half who STARTS in 10 every week and is established in that position, not someone who plays 9, 10 & 15.  Also you gotta pick someone who has a big influence on the game; thats why Butch James or any other no. 10 playing for the Boks under Jake White & Eddie Jones ain't gonna get a look in.  Steve Larkham used to have the best running/passing game around but the man is made of tofu - he's had his day.  I can't give an unbiased opinion about Wilko cos that style of rugby that he and England play is awful.  If we don't look out it will be the death of the game.  I don't think you should be able to call that rugby what they do.  Undoubtedly its gotta be Dan Carter. He has the best all round game going at the moment.

Answer 8

Best one of all time has to be Neil Jenkins.