Eben Etzebeth didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent

Friday, 28 March 2025 at 08:32

byRugby Rucker

Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth, one of the most feared locks in rugby, has faced countless legends throughout his illustrious career.

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Speaking to RugbyPass for their ‘Rugby Roots’ series, the towering South African admitted he couldn’t single out his toughest opponent but highlighted a handful of rugby’s most formidable players.

Here’s who made his list of "tough" opponents:

1. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Etzebeth reflected:

"Back in the day when I went up against Ma’a Nonu. He hit me once and he just hit me from the side. I thought it was one of their props hitting me, [then] I looked at him. He was quite a hard man. Probably the guy who tackled me the hardest."

Nonu, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, earned 103 caps for the All Blacks and was renowned for his devastating combination of power and skill. Often seen as the ultimate centre, Nonu terrorised defences for over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

2. Maro Itoje (England)

Widely regarded as one of the most athletic locks of his generation, Itoje has been a cornerstone for both England and Saracens. With a knack for disrupting lineouts, turnovers, and charging through defenses, Itoje has earned over 60 caps and continues to dominate on the international stage.

3. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

A World Rugby Player of the Year in 2014, Retallick is a towering presence in the All Blacks' pack. Known for his incredible work rate, physicality, and deft handling, Retallick has been a mainstay for New Zealand since his debut in 2012, with over 100 international appearances to his name.

4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

The most-capped rugby player of all time, Alun Wyn Jones, is a living legend. The former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain has led by example with his unmatched resilience, leadership, and tactical nous. Jones retired from international rugby in 2023, leaving behind a legacy few can rival.

5. James Ryan (Ireland)

Since bursting onto the scene in 2017, Ryan has established himself as a pivotal figure for Ireland. Known for his engine, consistency, a

28 England players on Andy Farrell's 75-man Lions watchlist

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there’s no shortage of talent vying for a spot.

Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge

Ireland’s Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales’ Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.

Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Nicky Smith (Wales)
Ellis Genge (England)
Bevan Rodd (England)
Fin Baxter (England)

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Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position

Ireland’s Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England’s Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales’ leading option.

Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
Jamie George (England)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
Dewi Lake (Wales)

Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent

Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England’s trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland’s Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Will Stuart (England)
Joe Heyes (England)
Kyle Sinckler (England)
Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites

Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland’s Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales’ strongest option.

Maro Itoje (England)
George Martin (England)
Ollie Chessum (England)
Courtney Lawes (England)
David Ribbans (England)
James Ryan (Ireland)
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
Iain Henderson (Ireland)
Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Scott Cummings (Scotland)
Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)

Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine

Ireland’s Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England’s back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland’s Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales’ Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.

Tom Curry (England)
Ben Curry (England)
Ben Earl (England)
Sam Underhill (England)
Henry Pollock (England)
Jack Willis (England)
Tom Willis (England)
Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
Jack Conan (Ireland)
Rory Darge (Scotland)
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
Jac Morgan (Wales)
Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

Scrum-Halves: Gibson-Park to Lead the Pack

Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park looks set to retain his spot after an impressive World Cup. England’s Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet will compete for backup roles, while Scotland’s Ben White and Wales’ Tomos Williams round out the options.

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Alex Mitchell (England)
Jack van Poortvliet (England)
Ben White (Scotland)
Tomos Williams (Wales)

Fly-Halves: Farrell and Ford in the Mix, Russell a Wildcard

Owen Farrell’s leadership and experience keep him in contention, but England’s George Ford and Marcus Smith offer contrasting styles. Ireland’s Jack Crowley and rising star Sam Prendergast provide alternatives, while Scotland’s Finn Russell remains a game-changer.

Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Jack Crowley (Ireland)
Owen Farrell (England)
Marcus Smith (England)
Fin Smith (England)
George Ford (England)
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Tom Jordan (Scotland)

Centres: Aki and Ringrose Set to Star

Ireland’s midfield pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose looks set to continue, with Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne adding depth. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones bring attacking flair to the mix.

Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Huw Jones (Scotland)

Back Three: Lowe and Keenan Lead the Line

Ireland’s back three trio of James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Mack Hansen remain front-runners. Scotland’s Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe provide proven finishing power. England’s Elliot Daly and youngsters Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme, and Tom Roebuck are pushing for spots.

James Lowe (Ireland)
Mack Hansen (Ireland)
Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Tommy Freeman (England)
Ollie Sleightholme (England)
Tom Roebuck (England)
Elliot Daly (England)

Nation Breakdown: Ireland Leads the Way

With a total of 75 players predicted to make the longlist, here’s a breakdown by nation:

Ireland: 22 players
England: 28 players
Scotland: 14 players
Wales: 11 players

Andy Farrell and his coaching team will have difficult decisions to make as the tour approaches, with intense competition across every position. Expect plenty of surprises when the final squad is announced.

Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?

Test your rugby knowledge and see how many of these iconic Lions players you can name! You’ve got 4 minutes on the clock—think fast!

Let’s see if you can nail this quiz and prove you’re a true rugby expert. Ready? Let’s go!

MORE QUIZZES:

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