CRAIG LEWIS ranks the top five scrumhalves in rugby history. Where does Joost van der Westhuizen fit in?

5. Justin Marshall

Marshall was a fierce on-field rival during Van der Westhuizen’s playing days, where his influence for the All Blacks was similarly immense.

He debuted at the age of 22 and went on to earn 81 Tests caps, featuring in two World Cups and in the 2005 series victory over the British and Irish Lions.

With speed, poise, physicality and an unflinching competitive spirit, Marshall is widely regarded as one of the best to have pulled on the All Blacks’ No 9 jersey.

Watch this try Marshall scored against the Wallabies:

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4. Fourie du Preez

Du Preez might be a debatable pick at No 4, but in his prime, there are surely very few players who had the ability to influence a game quite like he did.

Having earned 76 Test caps for the Boks, he was at his ruthless best during the 2007 World Cup, where he guided South Africa to win after win – including masterminding a 36-0 victory over England.

He had the innate ability to read play and make the correct decision before arriving at a ruck, and is the sort of scrumhalf general who has understandably proven to be almost impossible to replace.

Watch Du Preez’s match-winning try from the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Wales:

3. George Gregan

In many ways, Gregan typified what we have come to regard as the typical scrumhalf. Tough as nails, cocky, confident and a constant nuisance for the opposition.

For many years the Wallabies scrumhalf was enemy No 1 when he played against the Springboks, but few can argue that he remains an absolute legend of the game who served effectively as the heartbeat of Australian rugby for over a decade.

In all, he featured in 139 Tests for the Wallabies and cemented his place as one of the all-time greats, with this try-saving tackle below remaining one of the most memorable moments of his career.

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2. Joost van der Westhuizen

Similarly to Edwards, the late, great Van der Westhuizen changed the way people will forever view the role of a scrumhalf.

Feared and revered in equal measure during his playing days, the tall and athletically built Van der Westhuizen was a far cry from the archetypal scrumhalf. Yet, despite his size, the legendary Springbok boasted an incredible turn of speed, played the game at a different pace and ensured he was a constant threat around the fringes.

He was a new breed of scrumhalf, with an ability to kick off both feet, and will be forever be remembered as the man who changed the perception of what a scrumhalf could do.

Look back at the highlights of his 89-Test career:

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1. Gareth Edwards

Edwards was a player that was truly before his time. The Welshman blazed a trail in terms of scrumhalf play, which saw him earn 53 caps for Wales, while making 10 appearances for the British & Irish Lions.

Blessed with impressive pace, and surprising strength for a diminutive man, Edwards is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to grace the game.

Besides his peerless all-round ability, Edwards had a natural feel for the game and emerged as an ultimate athlete at a time when the game was far from professional.

Watch his famous try for the Barbarians:

Photo: Nigel Marple/Getty Images