By Paul Scott and Johnny Watterson

If he is not kicking well, or passing well, or directing his team. If he is not tackling well or attacking well, or thinking well, the whole team falters. The modern game now requires the outhalf to be both fire and ice and his place kicking, territorial kicking and opportunistic punts to be metronomic. Ronan O'Gara scored several match-winning drop goals for Ireland, including in the 78th minute of the Wales match against Ireland in the 2009 Six Nations Championship to secure the Grand Slam. They are both the first receiver and so often the player of last resort.

O’Gara did it for Ireland and Munster. Rob Andrew’s drop goal against Australia deep into injury time in the 1995 World Cup put England into the semifinal, while Jonny Wilkinson drop kicking off his ‘bad’ foot won the World Cup for England in 2003. They have to face down flankers who will make them targets and they have to decide on how the game will be played, force their own will on any match and shape it. They are the heroes and the villains, the targets and the shooters. They say that the forwards win games and the backs decide by how much. But they didn’t have the outhalf in mind when they came up with that.

Total International Statistics (including Lions appearances)

Due back from concussion on February 14, he will be fast tracked into the Irish side. Has shown himself to be one of the best pivots in the world at playing a controlling game with very reliable place kicking. A perfectionist too, he keeps his backline and pack in check.

Former league player known for his mental strength and ability to ‘run the show’. Once spent time kicking with Ronan O’Gara and David Humphreys when his dad Mike was coaching with Ireland. IRB Young Player of the Year in 2011, he has long been destined to play for England.

The bad boy of English rugby has tempered his extravagances and has settled into playing well again. If England need back up and a player to provide the X-Factor it’s Cipriani more than Stephen Myler. His kicking stats are a little low but he’s a game changing talent.

He takes the Scottish captaincy in the absence of the injured Grant Gilchrist. Has a good tactical mind and offers Scotland leadership in a central position. Has played well with Gloucester, provides experience, is a good communicator and exceptionally competitive.

A gifted, young player who joined Glasgow in the summer of 2012. Home grown, he is seen as the successor to Gregor Townsend because of his natural attacking flair, which Scotland has lacked. It makes him a crowd favourite and a player who can ask questions of opposition.

He rated 2014 as his best year in rugby after reassessment and recognition that over-confidence was holding him back. Not hugely exciting in the position, his basic skill-sets serve him well. He is also playing very well with Ospreys.

Now behind Biggar in the pecking order, his move to Bath at the end of this season may remove him from Welsh selection thoughts. He can be a frustrating player and his kicking is inconsistent but his experience guided Wales to a World Cup semifinal in 2011.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre may be thinking of playing the Castres duo at halfback as scrumhalf Rory Kockott is also on the squad. At 30-years-old Tales has been around for a few years and provides the experience as France continue their quest for a half back pairing that works.

Plays like an English outhalf but is quick and has guile. That means he’s more consistent than a Freddy Michalak and he tackles hard. He’s never afraid to get involved in the gritty side of the game and can take control of the match and dictate. A complete player.

It was a monumental blunder by Scotland to let Allan slip through their fingers. The Perpignan player started three of Italy’s Six Nations games last year but now has competition to deal with. He has 10 caps to Haimona’s three, so there’s a little inexperience in the position.

The converted Kiwi played well in Italy’s win over Samoa in November and justified his selection by kicking 14 points. The 28-year-old Zebre player has risen through the ranks in Italian rugby, having appeared previously with Joe Schmidt’s old club, Bay of Plenty.