They are normally fly-halves, as that is the position where most of the decisions are taken when a team has the ball and is attacking.

However, they can also play in the other main decision-making positions, namely scrum-half and number eight, although exceptional talents can have an effect from any position.

They will set the tempo for their team and can often be the difference between success and failure.

Jonny Wilkinson (England)

The number 10's reading of the game is peerless and his excellent passing and superb kicking mean that England are assured of making good use of the ball when they receive it from their forwards.

How they rate

Vision: 8 Passing: 8 Handling: 9 Kicking: 8 Leadership: 8 TOTAL: 41/50

One of the most important aspects of being a team's Ring Master is taking the right decisions at the right time and, as he has matured, Wilkinson's choices have improved dramatically.

The way he orchestrated England's fight back against Australia in November demonstrates his maturity at just 23.

And although England's expansive style means he is not always first receiver, he is integral to their hopes of success.

Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

It is very rare to find a team's Ring Master out in the centres, rather than in the spine of the team at eight, nine and 10.

How they rate

Vision: 9 Passing: 8 Handling: 9 Kicking: 8 Leadership: 7 TOTAL: 41/50

But that just shows how great a player the Ireland centre is.

Like Wilkinson he has a complete game, and the Irish attack revolves around him.

With searing pace, an accurate boot, great hands and fantastic vision, O'Driscoll has got it all, and he has helped transform the Emerald Isle into genuine Six Nations contenders.

Agustin Pichot (Argentina)

Pichot has become something of a superstar in Argentina, such is his omnipresent nature for the national side.

How they rate

Vision: 8 Passing: 9 Handling: 9 Kicking: 7 Leadership: 8 TOTAL: 41/50

With his flowing locks in tow, Pichot has marshalled the Pumas' back division with some style since making his debut at the 1995 World Cup.

His passing is second to none and he is a sharp kicker of the ball when the need arises.

But, like most number nines, it is his ability to find even the narrowest gaps and launch attack after attack which is his greatest asset.

Steve Larkham (Australia)

Few players look more laid back on the field of play than Larkham but that merely disguises the ability of one of the world's best numbers 10s.

How they rate

Vision: 9 Passing: 8 Handling: 8 Kicking: 8 Leadership: 7 TOTAL: 40/50

Larkham has been a massive presence for Australia since appearing on the wing, at full-back and more famously at fly-half.

He was one of the major reasons for them lifting the World Cup last time around and he looks to have lost none of the flair play and vision which has lit up the players around him.

He has a superb rugby brain, varying with aplomb his kicking and passing out of hand as well as his running.

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Introduction

Speed Machines

Airborne Division

Bulldozers

Ring Masters

Scavengers

Hard Hitters

Jonny Wilkinson facts

Country: England Position: Fly-half Date of Birth: 25 May 1979 International debut: 4 April 1998 against Ireland Height: 1.77m Weight: 88.90kg

Brian O'Driscoll facts

Country: Ireland Position: Centre Date of Birth: 21 January 1979 International debut: 12 June 1999 against Australia Height: 1.80m Weight: 92.08kg

Agustin Pichot facts

Country: Argentine Position: Scrum half Date of Birth: 22 August 1974 International debut: 30 April 1995 against Australia Height: 1.75m Weight: 77.56kg

Stephen Larkham facts

Country: Australia Position: Fly-half Date of Birth: 29 May 1974 International debut: 22 June 1996 against Wales Height: 1.87m Weight: 86.18kg