“I didn’t fear many” – Paul O’Connell names his five toughest opponents

#1. Victor Matfield

• Position: Lock
• Country: South Africa
• Caps: 127

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

Victor Matfield facts:

1. Matfield was known for his success at disrupting opposition line-outs – this skill was a cornerstone of their 2007 World Cup success, where he was crowned IRB (International Rugby Board) player of the Rugby World Cup
2. In 2008 he captained the first team to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand since England in 2003
3. Matfield initially retired after the 2011 World Cup, leaving the game as the record Springbok cap holder, but returned after a two-year hiatus, signing a two-year playing contract with the Bulls for 2014 and 2015

#2. Jonny Wilkinson

• Position: Fly-half
• Country: England
• Caps: 91

Jonny Wilkinson facts:

1. Wilkinson won 91 caps for England. He was an integral member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup, scoring the winning drop goal in the last minute of extra time against Australia in the final
2. He came back from several injuries and was part of the England team which reached the final of the 2007 World Cup
3. The fly-half toured twice with the British & Irish Lions, in 2001 to Australia and 2005 to New Zealand, winning 6 caps
4. He played club rugby for twelve seasons in the English Premiership with Newcastle Falcons.
5. In 2009 he moved to Toulon, where he won two Heineken Cups and one Top 14 championship in five seasons.

#3. Martin Johnson

• Position: Lock
• Country: England
• Caps: 83

Martin Johnson facts:

1. Under his management England won the 2011 Six Nations Championship, their first since 2003
2. He left the post in November 2011 following England's quarter final defeat at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and has not taken another management position in the game since
3. Johnson briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end
4. In 1989 he was approached by former All Black Colin Meads to try out for the King Country side in New Zealand
5. Johnson was born in Shirley, Solihull, the second of three brothers – his younger brother Will is a former back row forward for Leicester

#4. Jerry Collins

• Position: Flanker
• Country: New Zealand
• Caps: 48

#5. Bakkies Botha

• Position: Lock
• Country: South Africa
• Caps: 85