The men who don the number 10 on their backs tend to make or break their side's World Cup runs or at least provide the moment of magic that spurs their side to victory.
Unfortunately for rugby fans, a number of the World’s top tens are out of the tournament – or at least at this point they are – with South Africa’s 2019 marshal Handre Pollard left out of the original Springbok squad due to fitness issues while France’s mercurial young general, Romain Ntamack, misses out due to a serious knee injury sustained during France’s World Cup warm-up fixture with Scotland.
There’s still some seriously talented tens heading for France and Darry Worthington gives his opinion on which will star and which will flop.
Finn Russell
Nation: Scotland
Scotland’s chances of a quarter-final slot will weigh heavily on the shoulders of the Racing 92 genius.
On his day, Russell is the best attacking ten in the world with his deft hands, turn of pace and delicate attacking kicking game making him unstoppable at times.
Unfortunately for the Scottish outhalf, he’s going to be playing with a pack of forwards that may well struggle to find parity with their Irish and South African counterparts.
Verdict: Solid in a Losing Cause
He’ll produce a number of moments of magic but with Scotland not likely to get past the pool phase, his World Cup will ultimately be one of ‘what ifs’.
Owen Farrell
Nation: England
The most controversial rugby player going at the minute. While citing commissions may have his back, there will be a massive target on his back when it comes to the eyelines of his opponents.
Like Russell for Scotland, England will be heavily reliant on Farrell if they are to have any success at the World Cup, However, Farell has been struggling for form in recent year’s and while England’s “kick everything at all costs” approach suits Farell to an extent, England’s inability to hold on to the ball will probably see them make a quarter-final at best and deny Farrell the opportunity to take someone’s head off with a no arms tackle in the semis.
Verdict: As Poor as Piss
His team will have a shocker and so will he.
Richie Mo’unga
Nation: New Zealand
He’s been an enigma for years now delivering on the domestic stage for the Crusaders but only putting in mammoth international shits against South Africa and occasionally Argentina.
This will be Richie’s second World Cup but this time around he has known he goes into it as the first choice fly-half for a while unlike in 2019 where he usurped Beuaden Barrett at the last minute.
He comes into ths World Cup off a great Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup campaign which saw him put in a very tidy shift against South Africa – for what seems like the millionth time – and then kick a clutch penalty against Australia in Bledisloe two to hand the Kiwis a clean sweep against their trans-Tasman rivals.
Verdict: Kingmaker
If New Zealand make it to the final it will be off the back of Mo’unga. He knows how this Kiwi side operates and knows how to get the best out of those around him.
Manie Libbok
Nation: South Africa
It’s not easy filling the shoes of a World Cup winner especially when you have only played a handful of Tests but that’s what the young Western Province gun will be tasked with – well at least until one of the four South African scrum halves sustain a mysterious injury and Handre Pollard gets on a flight to link up with the squad.
Regardless of whether Pollard ends up in France or not, Libbok is going to have a major role to play for the Springboks. He has shown he can handle pressure situations with his touchline conversion against Ulster in the 2021/22 URC sending the Stormers to the final.
He also enjoyed a solid Rugby Championship campaign and was the star of the show in South Africa’s 43-12 Round 1 win over Australia.
Verdict: Will do his job
I have nothing but respect for this man who seemed destined for a nomadic rugby career until his move down to the Western Cape. He’s a great fly-half and a great prospect but it must be remembered that he only has seven Springbok caps. Experience is vital at a World Cup and while he’ll do a solid job, I think the South African brain’s trust are hoping that can get Handre Pollard back in the squad as soon as possible.
Johnny Sexton
Nation: Ireland
This will be the man with a mouth almost as big as Rassie Erasmus’ will be looking to cap what has been a stellar career by bringing the Webb Ellis Cup home to Ireland.
He’s the most experienced fly-half at the tournament and the stage is well and truly set for him to dominate. The question is; will his body hold up over a two month period?
If he does manage to stay fit then he could well replicate Dan Carter’s 2015 campaign or Johnny Wilkson’s 2003 one, and be the fulcrum for an Irish victory.
Verdict: He’ll be shit hot
Regardless of what you thnk of his excessive play acting, Sexton is a brilliant fly-half who has everything in his locker. He’s just the man you want leading your side into a World Cup. I think he will end up being one of the real standouts at the global showpiece.
Carter Gordon
Nation: Australia
Eddie Jones has lost the plot and he may well have just killed what looks to be a promising career for Carter Gordon.
The 22-year-old has a majestic mullet that could well go down in Australian rugby folklore but I feel he’s been chucked in the deep end by a coach who seems to love controversy or get the press’ back up more than he enjoys seeing his side win rugby games.
The out half had a brilliant Super Rugby Pacific campaign but looked susceptible at times during the Rugby Championship as he made a number of unforced errors. In fairness to him, he was at the helm for Australia’s best showing this calendar year as he played a starring role in their narrow defeat to the Kiwis in Bledisloe 2.
Verdict: Will be found out
He’s been given the full backing from Jones with utility back Ben Donaldson the only other option at ten.
It’s a massive mistake by Jones, however, as Gordon simply does not have the experience to go to a World Cup and guide Australia to glory.
