Brian O’Driscoll didn’t even blink when asked who his toughest opponent was

Monday, 10 February 2025 at 21:20

byRugby Rucker

Brian O’Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the greatest centres in rugby history. A talismanic leader, an elite playmaker, and a defensive rock, he was the heartbeat of both Ireland and the British & Irish Lions for over a decade.

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Born in Dublin on January 21, 1979, O’Driscoll amassed 141 Test caps for Ireland and the Lions, captaining his country a record 83 times. His dazzling footwork, intelligent running lines, and incredible ability to read the game made him a nightmare for opposition defences. Over his career, he won multiple Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2009, and left an indelible mark on the sport.

Throughout his time at the top, O’Driscoll faced some of the best players to ever step on a rugby pitch. In interviews spanning several years, including a Q&A with the Six Nations website, he revealed the five opponents who pushed him to the limit.

5. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Few players in rugby history have evolved as dramatically as Ma’a Nonu. Initially known more for his signature braids and heavy-handed running style, the All Blacks centre developed into a complete midfielder, adding a sharp passing and kicking game to his powerful ball-carrying. His transformation was instrumental in New Zealand’s dominance, culminating in back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.

Nonu finished his Test career with 103 caps, forming an iconic partnership with Conrad Smith that was the bedrock of the All Blacks’ midfield for nearly a decade.

"Same height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game."

4. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)

Nicknamed ‘The Snake’ for his uncanny ability to glide through defensive gaps with minimal effort, Conrad Smith was the brains of the All Blacks midfield for over a decade. His intelligence, composure, and defensive awareness made him an indispensable part of New Zealand’s success.

Winning two Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015) and earning 94 Test caps, Smith was the ultimate team player. While his attacking flair often flew under the radar, his sharp decision-making and ability to link play made him one of the best centres of his generation.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: “I thought Conrad Smith was always one of the really difficult ones. He was nicknamed ‘Snake’ I think because of his hips and it doesn’t look like he’s going that fast but jeez, he can travel.”

3. Richard Hill (England)

If ever a player epitomised the term ‘unsung hero,’ it was Richard Hill. A master of the unseen work, Hill was England’s defensive enforcer and breakdown specialist, making life easier for his teammates with his relentless graft.

A key figure in England’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad, Hill could play anywhere across the back row and never sought the limelight—he simply did his job with brutal efficiency. Across 71 caps for England and five for the Lions, his influence was immeasurable.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Richard Hill, England No.6 that won the World Cup in 2003. He was a brilliant teammate but he made that team tick. He was the unsung hero in that World Cup win. He was hard! I always liked playing with guys that were nails in the team, that really stood up and never took a backwards step."

2. Yannick Jauzion (France)

A towering figure at 6-foot-4 and nearly 17-stone, Yannick Jauzion was the archetype of a complete centre. A key part of France’s golden era in the early 2000s, he combined power, finesse, and a sublime offloading game that tormented defences.

With 73 caps for France, Jauzion was instrumental in Toulouse’s European dominance, winning the Heineken Cup twice. His standout moment came in the 2005 Heineken Cup Final, where he was named Man of the Match in Toulouse’s triumph over Stade Français.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Jauzion was just incredible and was so hard to stop, with his offloading ability. France built so much off and around him. 6-foot-4 and probably 17-stone."

1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

A generational talent, Jonny Wilkinson will forever be remembered for his extra-time drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. But that moment only scratches the surface of his influence on the game.

Wilkinson was the ultimate perfectionist, a relentless competitor who combined pinpoint accuracy with fearless tackling and tactical mastery. Across 97 caps for England and the Lions, he scored an astonishing 1,246 points, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest fly-halves.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: “Even to just get a snapshot of what his mind works like now and how he thinks about things is pretty eye-opening as to what sort of detail he went into as a player.”

“He’s an out-and-out perfectionist, he just needs that 10 out of 10. I don’t think you ever achieve it and I think he beats himself up about it, but he got pretty close to 10 a lot of times.”