Paul O'Connell Didn't Even Blink When Asked To Name His Toughest Opponent Ever
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Paul O’Connell, a towering figure in the world of rugby, hails from Ireland and has left an indelible mark on the sport through his exceptional career with Ireland, Munster, and the British and Irish Lions.
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Internationally, O’Connell earned 108 caps for Ireland, donning the green jersey with pride and passion. His leadership qualities were particularly evident during his captaincy, where he guided Ireland to historic victories in the Six Nations, including the Grand Slam triumph in 2009.
O’Connell’s commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire those around him solidified his status as one of Ireland’s greatest rugby ambassadors.
The pinnacle of Paul O’Connell’s illustrious career was undoubtedly his involvement with the British and Irish Lions. He participated in four Lions tours, earning iconic status as a fearless and tenacious leader. The 2009 Lions tour to South Africa saw him captain the team, showcasing his resilience and determination even in the face of formidable opposition.
Now retired from professional rugby, O’Connell has taken on coaching roles, imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
In a recent interview, he shared his reflections on his remarkable career by ranking his five toughest opponents, providing a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that defined his extraordinary journey in the world of rugby.
#1. Victor Matfield
Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 127
This ultra-athletic second row player was known for his love of running with the ball in midfield and was dubbed the best centre in South Africa.
Additionally, he was a supreme technician in the lineout. He was even awarded Man of the Match in the 2007 World Cup final.
O’Connell said: “I tried not to fear any opponent, but any international second-row will tell you that Matfield had the ability to destroy your lineout. He’s the best lineout operator I played against. He very rarely made any mistakes.”
#2. Jonny Wilkinson
Position: Fly-half
Country: England
Caps: 91
He has been a significant match-winner of his time, and one of rugby’s all-time greatest point-scorers. With 1,246 points earned in his 97 caps for England and the Lions, only Dan Carter has scored more in Test rugby.
However, his most notable achievement occurred in 2003 when he secured the World Cup victory for his team by slotting in a drop goal.
What is more impressive is that he kicked it with his weaker right foot, indicating the countless hours he had dedicated to practice. He retired on a high note, adding two more trophies to his collection with Toulon.
O’Connell said: “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.”
#3. Martin Johnson
Position: Lock
Country: England
Caps: 83
He was a true leader who led by example and was the type of person you’d want by your side in difficult situations. He never asked anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself.
Like Sam Warburton, he captained the Lions twice, including the victorious 1997 tour of South Africa. He will forever be remembered as the man who received the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney.
O’Connell said: “He had a presence. He was a fabulous player, absolutely someone to be admired.”
#4. Jerry Collins
Position: Flanker
Country: New Zealand
Caps: 48
O’Connell said: “He’d just destroy people!”
#5. Bakkies Botha
Position: Lock
Country: South Africa
Caps: 85
This man was a force to be reckoned with as the second row enforcer for South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning team. He went on to cap off his career by securing three European Cup victories with Toulon.
DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides, and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached
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