England legends Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson have revealed the five toughest opponents they faced during their illustrious careers, offering a fascinating insight into the players they respected most.
From destructive forwards to game-changing backs, the two Rugby World Cup winners selected some of the greatest names ever to play the sport.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content! 5. Brian O'Driscoll (Jonny Wilkinson)
A four-time Rugby World Cup veteran, Brian O’Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the finest centres in rugby history. The former Ireland captain combined dazzling footwork, outstanding defensive instincts and exceptional leadership, becoming his country’s all-time leading try scorer.
Wilkinson said:
“The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”
5. Sean Fitzpatrick (Martin Johnson)
One of the greatest hookers and captains the game has ever seen, Sean Fitzpatrick led the All Blacks throughout the 1990s and built a reputation as a fierce competitor and inspirational leader.
Johnson said:
“Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain.”
4. Richie McCaw (Jonny Wilkinson)
The heartbeat of the All Blacks for more than a decade, Richie McCaw captained New Zealand to Rugby World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015. Renowned for his relentless work-rate and leadership, he is considered one of the greatest players in rugby history.
Wilkinson said:
“The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No Rugby World Cup team would be complete without him.”
4. Joe Roff (Martin Johnson)
A key figure in Australia’s 1999 Rugby World Cup triumph, Joe Roff was a wonderfully balanced outside back whose pace, intelligence and versatility made him one of the best finishers of his generation.
Johnson said:
“You’d put David Campese up there but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, and old-style wing.”
3. Bakkies Botha (Jonny Wilkinson)
A fearsome second-row and enforcer for the Springboks, Bakkies Botha was central to South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning campaign. His uncompromising physicality made him one of the most intimidating forwards in the professional era.
Wilkinson said:
“Someone incredibly fierce but very, very down to earth… at times he’s exactly what a team needs.”
3. Paul O'Connell (Martin Johnson)
A towering lock and inspirational leader, Paul O’Connell captained Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, earning a reputation as one of the most respected forwards of his generation.
Johnson said:
“The Ireland captain was a very special player… it was clear he was going to be something really special.”
2. Tim Horan (Jonny Wilkinson)
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner with Australia, Tim Horan was renowned for his composure, intelligence and ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Wilkinson said:
“A guy that knew how to win, knew how to play the game. His body language suggested he didn’t really know how to fail.”
2. Richie McCaw (Martin Johnson)
The only player other than Jonah Lomu to appear on both lists, McCaw’s influence and leadership left a lasting impression on Johnson.
Johnson said:
“Just the way he carried himself and the way he spoke to his players, it had a big influence on players around him. A legend of the game.”
1. Jonah Lomu (Jonny Wilkinson)
One of rugby’s most iconic figures, Jonah Lomu revolutionised the sport with his extraordinary blend of size, pace and power. His performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup made him a global superstar.
Wilkinson said:
“The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No toughest opponents list would be complete without him.”
1. Jonah Lomu (Martin Johnson)
Johnson also placed Lomu at number one, describing the All Blacks winger as a once-in-a-generation player capable of changing matches single-handedly.
Johnson said:
“A guy like Jonah Lomu could do things that nobody could do and change games.”
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