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As a Bulls supporter, this might seem like a "Blinkers on" statement, but there isn't another scrummy in the country that can even touch Francois Hougard. Actually, I don't think there is any scrummy in the world at the moment that has as much to offer as him. And yes, I know his tactical kicking isn't the best in the game, but it is still very good, but his general play and flair are simply on a level that we haven't seen since Joost was at his very best. Also, he is incredibly strong, as he proved when he scored last week dragging 3 much larger would-be defenders with him to the try line. The guy is magic and he oozes X-factor from his pores. 

I just want to know what the other readers on this site think, can anyone touch this guy?

Nope he is the best 9 in the game by some distance and even his kicking is ok

Only tht welsh scrummie comes close?

Beeno1 I assume you mean Mike Phillips? Yeah he is very good, but silly as it sounds, he is too big for a no.9 and that is going to get exposed in years to come. Scrummy's are generally small for a reason. Though, having said that, I take your point, Phillip is very good.

bluebok I do hope you are clear on the matter. Phillips is too big for a scrummie but he is very good?

Look if he was not very good it would have shown by now. 

What I am saying is Philips is good, but the fact that he is too big will be exposed before too long. Around the fringes and when spaces are tight, being small and agile is an asset. Which is why you don't have locks in the backline (Except Matfield) etc etc, you get my point. So in a nut shell, he has done well because he is a talented individual, but his success in that position won't last.

Philips is 29, so been around for a while. If he was going to be exposed it would have happened ages ago

Hougaard is firstly a great rugby player, and then a great scrumhalf. This guy's tackling is ferocious. And give him a bit of space and he's going to hurt you. I respect real competitors.

 Moz, Hougaard is the closest I have seen to Joost, who in my books was the best 9 ever

 Hougard is an excellent scrum half but his talent is being wasted by Morne Steyn at flyhalf.

I agree that he is in the same class as Joost. He is a talented player with good physical strength and a great kick as well as an eye for a gap.

AJ, his kick is not great and maybe his only weakness, but only slightly.

PS Phillips is better though (ATM)

Excellent point about matfield bluebok - shows real rugby acumen!!

 noone in SA can touch Hougard at the moment Bluebok - I know he can also play wing but I bet  if the coach chooses, he can also do well at number 12 and 15.