Jalibert and Sacha untouchable at 10

Terrific last week against the Bulls, and while I've only seen the highlights of the Bordeaux/Scarlets game, Jalibert's influence was again undeniable with the kind of plays you just can't see any other 10 in rugby at the moment outside of Sacha pulling off. Sacha was again involved in almost every Stormers try. Neither are perfect, but as far as attacking 10s go, there are none more exhilarating to watch than these two by a country mile - at least in the rugby I get round to watching. Feel free to add a challenger if I've missed one.

Romaine Ntamack in my opinion, is up there with Sacha and Jalibert.

With Ntamack at the helm before his injuries, France were deadly in attack play.

He played a big role, together with Du Pont, in asserting a French rugby resurgence.

He has dropped in form since his return, while Jalibert is on a high.

Maybe Marcus Smith when the Poms give him a chance.

What a difference it makes to have a fly-half that is an all-rounder. The Springboks have often had flyhalves who were very good at certain parts of play, under specific weather conditions or game plans.

It keeps the defence guessing by having a fly-half who can play any style of game.

Esterhuizen combines with Sasha better than Delande. We do need an outside centre that is a more all-round player. Jessie Kriel is a good defender and a decent runner, but lacks playmaking ability.

Moodie is decent as a runner, but he is no world beater.

The Argentina centres are far more skilled player makers at 13 who know how to create space, along with better passers.

Dumbian is just too far off the pace of Sasha. He never runs support lines or loop arounds.Esterhuizen is a better crashballer, and he can pass and run decent lines as well.

Hooker is showing some really classy touches and plenty of physicality…he looks a lot like the young JdV…he could be the answer at 13, with the option of moving to 12 when Esterhozen hangs up his boots.

Ah yes, Marcus of course. Ford was so prevalent in recent tests that he slipped my mind for a moment there. I think he's still a step or two short of Jalibert and Sacha but up there. The first thing that makes these guys so good is their almost instinctive awareness of space and opportunity. Ford has fitted well into what England is doing right now so not sure how much of a run Marcus is going to get in the near future. I haven't seen Ntamack be as destructive or influential, MP, but granted I've not watched much of France outside of the EOYT. Will definitely try to watch more of the 6N next year.

All I know is that I'm happy that Sacha is a 10 and that means he gets the ball a lot.

It's been a theme since forever that our talented backs don't get enough ball.

I pretty much agree with all the statements above. I have a particular soft spot for Marcus Smith too. Such an effective player.

...but nobody touches Sacha at the moment. He's becoming one of those players that even the opposition love to watch. The backhand pass yesterday!!! And it's not only that he makes those sorts of passes but how quickly he makes them and how often it turns out good.

They laughed when we compared him to Carter...but they ain't laughing no more.

Carter who?

Sasha will easily beat Farter's try scoring record.