Brian O\u2019Driscoll, widely considered one of the greatest centres the game has ever seen, has opened up on the toughest opponents he faced during his illustrious career.<\/p>\n
The former Leinster and Ireland captain, who earned 133 international caps, was renowned for thriving in the biggest moments and never backing down from a challenge.<\/p>\n
Now, the Irish legend has revealed the rivals who pushed him hardest on the world stage, lifting the lid on the players who truly tested his class, composure and competitive edge.<\/p>\n
From powerhouse defenders to attacking magicians, his list shines a spotlight on the elite names who earned his respect the hard way in the brutal arena of Test rugby.<\/p>\n
Still celebrated as a global rugby icon and ambassador for the sport, O\u2019Driscoll\u2019s reflections make essential reading for fans of the modern game \u2013 and for every young player dreaming of reaching the very top.<\/p>\n
Sourcing several Q&A\u2019s from down the years, including one with the Six Nations website<\/a>, here are his top five opponents:<\/p>\n 5. Ma\u2019a Nonu (New Zealand)<\/p>\n Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try.<\/p>\n Brian O\u2019Driscoll SAID: \u201cSame height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game.\u201d<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n