Ireland legend Paul O'Connell has ranked his five toughest opponents from his incredible rugby career.
O'Connell was a giant of the game and regarded as one of the greatest second rowers in world rugby, retiring with 108 caps for Ireland and seven for the British and Irish Lions.
The
new Ireland defence coach talked about the pressure of the game and revealed the best player he ever played with and, more importantly, the toughest opponents he has faced:
4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
2. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
"I never struggled against anyone as much as I struggled against him. It was like he could read my mind. He also had everyone so well trained around him to smash you."
1. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
"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."
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