Over the course of my career, I was fortunate enough to play against some of the greatest players to ever play the game.
From Test matches against the world’s best to European rugby and everything in between, there are certain players who always stood out.
Looking back, I feel incredibly privileged to have shared the field with these players. Some became friends, some became rivals, but all of them challenged me and helped raise my own standards as a player.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Here are ten of the toughest opponents I faced during my career.
1. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
For me, Aaron Smith was always the benchmark for scrum-halves. When I was coming through, he was the player I watched closely. The accuracy of his pass, the speed of his service and his kicking game were world class.
He made life so easy for the players around him because everything arrived exactly where and when it needed to.
As a number 9, that’s what you aspire to. He set the standard for our position for many years and was incredibly difficult to play against.
2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
You can’t have a list like this without Richie McCaw. You could play 80 minutes against him and swear he’d been involved in every single breakdown.
His understanding of the game was incredible and he always seemed to arrive at exactly the right moment.
He was relentless, hugely competitive and someone every player respected. He had an unbelievable ability to influence a game.
3. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
One of the most dangerous players I’ve ever faced. Give Beauden half a gap and he could punish you.
His speed, vision and ability to create opportunities from nothing meant you could never switch off for a second. He had the ability to change games in an instant.
4. Antoine Dupont (France)
For me, Dupont has taken the scrum-half position to a whole new level. He’s probably the closest player I’ve seen to redefining what a number 9 can do.
What I love most is the freedom he plays with. He backs his instincts, takes opportunities and isn’t afraid to try things others wouldn’t.
It’s how I’ve always loved to play the game myself. When you’re in a team that trusts you, and your teammates know you can create something out of nothing, it’s a special feeling.
Dupont has that ability. He can control a game one minute and produce a moment of magic the next. He’s an incredible player to watch and an incredibly tough player to play against.
5. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
Siya was one of those players who just never stopped working. His engine was unbelievable and he always seemed to be involved in the big moments.
Physically tough, highly competitive and a fantastic leader. He led by example every time he stepped onto the field.
6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Exactly what you’d want from a world-class lock. Massive, physical and incredibly aggressive in the best possible way.
Every collision felt like a contest and he brought intensity from the first minute to the last. You always knew you’d been in a game after playing against Eben.
7. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Growing up, Brian O’Driscoll was one of the players everyone admired. To eventually get the chance to play against him was pretty special.
His rugby intelligence was exceptional. He could read situations before anyone else and always seemed to make the right decision. One of the greatest centres the game has ever seen.
8. Owen Farrell (England)
One of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever played against.
His leadership, game management and willingness to put himself in the fight made him incredibly difficult to play against. He demanded high standards from everyone around him and always seemed to thrive under pressure.
9. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
A complete rugby player.
Strong, skilful and incredibly competitive, Sergio carried Italy for many years and always led from the front. Even when his team were under pressure, he found a way to make an impact on the game.
10. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
Sonny Bill Williams was one of the most unique talents rugby has ever seen.
His combination of size, strength, skill and offloading ability made him almost impossible to defend at times. He could change a game with a single moment of brilliance and was a constant threat whenever he touched the ball.
Honourable Mentions
There are plenty more who could easily make this list. Dan Carter, Alun Wyn , Maro Itoje, Brodie Retallick, Conor Murray and Cheslin Kolbe all deserve a mention.
I was lucky enough to swap jerseys with many of these players over the years, and those shirts mean a lot because they represent some incredible battles and memories.
What separated the very best wasn’t just talent. It was their consistency, professionalism and ability to perform under pressure year after year. That’s what made them world class, and that’s what made them such tough opponents.
