Former Ireland and Lions captain Paul O’Connell earned a standing ovation for a masterclass answer on Question of Sport.
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The challenge: identify seven sports stars, then use their initials to fill in missing letters in a series of words.
With only two letters out of 23 revealed, O’Connell cracked it—revealing the answer as Borussia Mönchengladbach.
A Question of Sport has been axed after 53 years. We’ll always have this moment, when Paul O’Connell gave one of the greatest answers in quiz show history. So good pic.twitter.com/Zs9gBL9dQU
— Jack Kenmare (@jackkenmare_) December 15, 2023
Paul O’Connell Named Five Players he ‘Hated’ on the Pitch – including two England stars
Paul O’Connell – the man, the myth, the Irish rugby colossus. From the red of Munster to the green of Ireland and the prestige of the British & Irish Lions, he’s been there, done it, and led from the front.
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.”
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