#2. Richie McCaw
Position: Flanker
Caps: 148
O’Mahony on McCaw:
“One of my heroes. I feel very privileged to have played against him. The All Blacks have never replaced him.”
Player Bio:
Richie McCaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players ever. His mastery of the breakdown, leadership, and relentless work rate set him apart. Captaining the All Blacks to consecutive World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015, McCaw earned 148 caps and defined the modern flanker role.
DID YOU KNOW?
McCaw’s Scottish heritage gave him a unique flair: he learned to play the bagpipes, embodying quiet leadership off the pitch as well.
#1. Jerry Collins
Position: Flanker
Caps: 48
O’Mahony on Collins:
“In games, I remember that Ospreys team when I first started off. They had a back-row of Jerry Collins, [Filo] Tiatia, and Marty Holah. I was just out of my teens. It was a nasty enough back-row to come up against. Collins was a vicious bas***rd but a real gentleman off the pitch.”
Player Bio:
Jerry Collins was a ferocious flanker, famous for bone-crunching tackles and raw physicality. With 48 caps for the All Blacks, he left a lasting legacy as one of rugby’s toughest and most uncompromising players. Collins also led at club level with the Hurricanes and Ospreys.
DID YOU KNOW?
Collins was a cousin of Tana Umaga. Tragically, he and his partner died in a car accident in 2015, with his final act shielding his baby daughter, Ayla—a testament to his character both on and off the pitch.