England international James Haskell has ranked his five toughest opponents from his incredible rugby career.
The 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam winner was integral in England’s first ever series win in Australia that same year.
But injuries since have seen his time at Test level suffer and the flanker in 2019 decided to call time on his playing days.
#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw is a legendary New Zealand rugby union player, widely regarded as one of the greatest openside flankers of all time. Born on December 31, 1980, in Oamaru, New Zealand, McCaw’s career spanned over a decade and a half, during which he became an icon of the sport.
He captained the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, from 2006 until his retirement in 2015, leading them to numerous victories, including back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015. Known for his exceptional leadership, tenacity, and unparalleled skills at the breakdown, McCaw’s influence on the game remains profound even after his retirement.
Haskell said: “The thing that has stood out for me is his decision-making at the breakdown, knowing when to compete for the ball, to clear out or to get back in the line, he always makes the right decision and he’s been doing it for years.”
