What Makes a Great Flyhalf? 5 of the Best Springbok No. 10s 

There are flyhalves, and then there are great flyhalves. These players have redefined the game of rugby and what it means to be the heart of the team. They’re famous for wearing the No. 10 jersey when playing for the Springboks. But what makes a great flyhalf?  

Is it their ability to kick well? Is it their ability to unlock a defence with a perfectly timed pass? Or is it the ability to take control of a match when everything is on the line?  

Well, for a great flyhalf, the answer is simple. It’s all these qualities and more. Each flyhalf has their own playing style, but everyone on this list is known for their ability to control the attack, make crucial decisions, and dictate where the game is played.  

So, let’s jump right in and explore what makes a great flyhalf, and look at five of the best Springbok No. 10s to ever play the game.  

What Does a Flyhalf Do? 

As the heart of the team, the flyhalf is the most influential player on the pitch. They’re the primary decision-makers, making the choice to run, pass, or kick the ball for possession. This means that almost every attacking phase of play goes through them.  

No. 10s must be calm under pressure and must be able to put in the big tackles. Not only this, but they control the pace and direction of the game. As such, they’re known to take responsibility when the pressure is at the max.  

All in all, good flyhalves have a few of these qualities. But great flyhalves combine these responsibilities and make a good team even greater.  

1. Naas Botha 

Known for his extremely accurate left-and-right-footed kicking, Naas Botha was an extraordinary flyhalf. He captained the Springboks during the 1980s. During this time, he played for the Springboks 28 times and tallied 312 points. This is an average of 11 points a game. He was the highest points scorer in Springbok history until 2004, when he was overtaken by Percy Montgomery.  

Botha also played for the Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls), where he captained 128 matches. He scored an astounding 1,699 points in the Currie Cup. His outstanding performance time and time again resulted in him being recognised as one of the greatest rugby players South Africa has ever produced.  

2. Joel Stransky  

Most South Africans remember Joel Stransky for scoring all of the Springbok points in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final. Not only did he score all the points, but he also scored the winning drop goal against New Zealand that won them the title.  

While he’s remembered for this moment, one of the most important things he should be remembered for was his ability to remain composed under pressure. So, reducing Stransky’s career to one moment narrows his accomplishments. He scored 240 points in just 22 Tests for the Springboks. This makes him one of the highest-scoring flyhalves out there.  

3. Henry Honiball 

With 35 caps between 1993 and 1999, Henry Honiball was not only a great flyhalf but also an extremely strong tackler. When paired with Joost van der Westhuizen, Honiball was known to ‘cut’ through his opponent’s defence. He was key in Nick Mallett’s Springbok squad which achieved 17 straight Test victories.  

His physical approach and defensive ability made him difficult to defend against. He was often seen to play as an additional loose forward at times while still doing a phenomenal job at No. 10. So much so that from his 35 Test appearances, he accumulated 156 points behind his name. 

4. Morné Steyn 

Winning an Under-21 Rugby World Cup, three Currie Cups, three Super Rugby titles, one Super Rugby unlocked, one Tri-Nations, one French Top 14 title, and two British and Irish Lions series, Morné Steyn is certainly an accomplished flyhalf. He has more titles and points behind his name than most players imagine.  

He joined the Springbok squad in 2009 and by 2021 had made 68 appearances. At the 2011 Rugby World Cup, he scored the most points by player, with 62 points behind his name. All in all, he scored 742 points for the Springboks, averaging 10.91 points per Test. This is one of the highest totals in Springboks’ history.  

5. Handré Pollard 

Some players are so great that while they’re still playing, they make the ultimate Springbok XV and the greatest flyhalves list. This is how legends, such as Handré Pollard, will be remembered. Pollard is known for his tactical kicking, attack around the defensive line, and accurate passing. His biggest strength, however, is his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.  

He was instrumental in the Boks’ back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins in 2019 and 2023. His penalties were crucial in securing the Springboks their fourth Rugby World Cup title. So far, he’s played for the Springboks 87 times and has accumulated 837 points.  

So, What Makes a Great Flyhalf? 

Being a great flyhalf is about so much more than just making the perfect pass or having a strong kicking game. It’s about decision-making, tactical intelligence, game management, and most importantly, composure under pressure. Great flyhalves know when to attack, pass, kick, and take control of a match.  

Each flyhalf mentioned brought something different to the No. 10 jersey. But they all share one thing in common: they were all able to make the right decision when the moment came. This is why they have points accumulated in the hundreds for their Springboks appearances.  

So, next time you’re at a braai, watching the rugby, keep an eye out for the player in jersey number 10. Bet on rugby now with bet.co.za.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Who is the best flyhalf in South Africa? 

The current best flyhalf in South Africa is dependent on what qualities you perceive as best. If you enjoy experience and supreme match management, then Handre Pollard is your guy. But if you enjoy explosive, modern rugby, then your best bet is Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.  

Who has scored the most tries as a Springbok flyhalf in history? 

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has scored the most tries as a Springbok flyhalf. He’s scored 9 tries in 19 Tests.  

What is the most important skill for a flyhalf? 

While flyhalves need to possess many skills, the most important skill they need is decision-making. They need to know if they should kick, pass, run, or play defence with the ball.  

Who is the most successful Springbok flyhalf? 

Arguably, Handre Pollard is the most successful Springbok flyhalf as he was part of both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning teams.