#4. Eben Etzebeth
Position: Lock
Caps: 124+ (as of 2025)
O’Mahony on Etzebeth:
“Etzebeth is a monster. Tall, powerful, and relentless in the lineout and contact—he’s one of the hardest players to play against in world rugby.”
Player Bio:
South African lock Eben Etzebeth is the epitome of modern forward dominance. Combining height, strength, and athleticism, he has been a cornerstone of the Springboks’ pack for over a decade, earning 120+ caps. Etzebeth’s ability to dominate lineouts, carry with force, and deliver bone-crunching tackles makes him a nightmare for any opposition.
DID YOU KNOW?
Etzebeth once played as a winger in his youth before growing into his 2.03m frame, eventually becoming one of the most feared locks in rugby history.
#3. Kieran Read
Position: Number 8
Caps: 128
O’Mahony on Read:
“Read was probably the most skilful I’ve come up against, whether it was backs or forwards—he’d be well up there as well.”
Player Bio:
Kieran Read was a dynamic number 8 and a mastermind of both leadership and skill. With 128 caps for the All Blacks and captaincy between 2013–2019, he guided New Zealand to Rugby World Cup glory twice. Read’s calm demeanour and decision-making made him one of the toughest, smartest opponents on the field.
DID YOU KNOW?
Before rugby, Read was a promising cricketer, representing New Zealand at the Under-17 level.