#2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
- Position Back-row
- Height 6 ft 4 in
- Weight 242 lb
- Caps 86
MCCAW SAID: “You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball.”
CARTER SAID: “I kept looking at my All Black jersey wondering if I had a target like in the middle of the jersey or something because he kept coming for me. He was having a huge battle with our big forward pack. He just kept going. He didn’t stop. He was physical and just his leg drive was incredible. A real competitor and absolute top bloke off the field as well. His mindset was a little bit different when he was out there competing. That just made him such a tough opponent to come up against.”
#1. George Smith (Australia)
- Position Back-row
- Height 5 ft 11 in
- Weight 233 lb
- Caps 111
McCaw said: “Smith was always pretty tough. I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is. I’ve never seen a guy as gifted in all facets of the game.”
Carter said: “I used to hate playing this guy because he was so bloody good. A true legend of the game.”
