“Wilkinson over Carter” – Sonny Bill Williams ranked his top 5 rugby players

The New Zealand icon, approached by Australian sports platform Sporting News, was tasked with naming the crème de la crème of players he shared the field with or faced off against.

Shockingly, Williams omitted two heavyweight former teammates, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who collectively amassed a staggering 260 test matches for the All Blacks.

Renowned for his flair and unpredictability, Quade Cooper is an enigmatic figure in rugby. The Australian fly-half possesses an innate ability to unlock opposition defenses with his creative vision and audacious skill set, making him a fan favourite wherever he plays.

Williams said: "You just have to watch some of his highlights videos on the football field to realise what a talent he is. He’s another guy who can just create something out of nothing and I don’t think gets the credit he deserves."

Known for his electrifying speed and versatility, Kurtley Beale is an Australian rugby sensation. With a knack for turning games on their heads, Beale's dynamic play has earned him accolades across the globe, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Williams said: "He’s a player I’ve loved watching over the years and I don’t think he gets the acknowledgement he deserves. He was one the best players – if not the best player – for the Australian team in the World Cup. Just his skillset, and you can tell that he’s got his stuff together off the field as well."

Regarded as one of the finest flankers of his generation, Thierry Dusautoir epitomizes strength, determination, and leadership. The French rugby legend's ferocious tackling and tireless work rate have earned him respect on the international stage, cementing his legacy as a true warrior of the game.

Williams said: “From my time in France I’d have to say, Thierry Dusautoir. He wasn't just an amazing player, but you can see the way he rallies his troops and how he performed in those big games. He’s someone I really admire.”

A towering figure in rugby history, Jonah Lomu transcended the sport with his sheer power and blistering pace. The New Zealand winger revolutionized the game, captivating audiences worldwide with his unstoppable runs and unmatched try-scoring ability, leaving an indelible mark on rugby folklore.

Williams said: “He’s someone that stood out because even when I didn’t play rugby I knew who he was. You just have to go back and watch some highlights of him to see how crazy what he did was. You don’t see players these days running through ten blokes on the way to the tryline.”

Revered as one of the greatest fly-halves of all time, Jonny Wilkinson is synonymous with precision and resilience. The English rugby icon's unrivaled kicking prowess and unwavering commitment to excellence propelled him to legendary status, culminating in his unforgettable drop-goal to secure World Cup glory in 2003, etching his name into sporting immortality.

Williams said: “I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played with Jonny Wilkinson and have seen the commitment that he had. When I played with him, he was pretty much at the height of his powers, but the way he dedicated himself to his craft was unbelievable and I learnt a lot from him.”