#4. Eben Etzebeth<\/p>\n
Position:\u00a0Lock
Caps:\u00a0124+ (as of 2025)<\/p>\n
O\u2019Mahony on Etzebeth:
\u201cEtzebeth is a monster. Tall, powerful, and relentless in the lineout and contact\u2014he\u2019s one of the hardest players to play against in world rugby.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019 pack for over a decade, earning 120+ caps. Etzebeth\u2019s ability to dominate lineouts, carry with force, and deliver bone-crunching tackles makes him a nightmare for any opposition.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
#3. Kieran Read<\/p>\n
Position:\u00a0Number 8
Caps:\u00a0128<\/p>\n
O\u2019Mahony on Read:
\u201cRead was probably the most skilful I\u2019ve come up against, whether it was backs or forwards\u2014he\u2019d be well up there as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u20132019, he guided New Zealand to Rugby World Cup glory twice. Read\u2019s calm demeanour and decision-making made him one of the toughest, smartest opponents on the field.<\/p>\n
DID YOU KNOW?
Before rugby, Read was a promising cricketer, representing New Zealand at the Under-17 level.<\/p>\n