Brian O’Driscoll And Paul O’Connell Both Reveal The Toughest Opponents They’ve Faced

31 October 2022

PAUL O’CONNELL’S TOUGHEST OPPONENTS:

#5. Victor Matfield

Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127

O’Connell said: “I tried not to fear any opponent, but any international second-row will tell you that Matfield had the ability to destroy your lineout. He’s the best lineout operator I played against. He very rarely made any mistakes.”

Victor Matfield of South Africa wins the ball against Tom Wood of England at the line out – Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle – Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 – Mobile:0797 1270 681 – VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 – 15/11/2014 – SPORT – QBE Internationals – RUGBY UNION – England v South Africa – Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England

#4. Jonny Wilkinson

Position: Fly-half
Country: England
Caps: 91

O’Connell said: “I played against him when he was with Toulon at the end of my career, and his ability to punish you with drop-goals, with his penalties, with his territory kicking game, it was so hard to get a foothold in his game. He could beat better teams almost on his own.”

#3. Martin Johnson

Position: Lock
Country: England
Caps: 83

O’Connell said: “He had a presence. He was a fabulous player, absolutely someone to be admired.”

#2. Jerry Collins

Position: Flanker
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48

#1. Bakkies Botha

Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides, and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

Pages: 12