Peter O’Mahony has faced off against some of the biggest names in the game, but when asked to pick his three toughest opponents, he wasted no time in making his choices.
The flanker, who recently hinted that he will likely retire at the end of the 2024/25 season, announced that he’s ready to hang up his boots after a remarkable career.
While playing abroad remains a slight possibility, O’Mahony suggested that his one-year contract extension from last summer will probably be his final chapter in professional rugby.
So, who are the men that left a lasting impression on him? All three of O’Mahony’s picks are iconic All Blacks, renowned for their physicality, leadership, and undeniable skill. Let’s dive into the profiles of these rugby titans.
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#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 and intelligent number 8, known for his exceptional skills both as a ball-carrier and a leader. He was a linchpin of the All Blacks for over a decade, earning 128 caps and captaining the side from 2013 to 2019. With a calm demeanour and excellent decision-making, Read helped lead New Zealand to Rugby World Cup victories and numerous Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.
DID YOU KNOW?
Before making his mark in rugby, Read was a promising cricketer. He represented Northern District age-group teams and earned selection for New Zealand’s Under-17 cricket side.
#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 of all time. As a flanker, his work rate, leadership, and mastery of the breakdown were unparalleled. McCaw earned an astounding 148 caps for the All Blacks and captained the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. His longevity, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure set him apart as a true legend of the game.
DID YOU KNOW?
McCaw’s roots trace back to Scotland, and as a nod to his heritage, he learned to play the bagpipes. Off the field, he’s known for his humility and quiet leadership.
#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 who embodied raw physicality and fearless tackling. With 48 caps for the All Blacks, Collins’ imposing presence on the field earned him a reputation as one of the toughest and most uncompromising players of his era. He was known not only for his devastating tackles but also for his leadership at club level, including stints with the Hurricanes and Ospreys.
DID YOU KNOW?
Collins was a cousin of fellow All Black great Tana Umaga. Tragically, Collins passed away in 2015, but his bravery and heart—both on and off the field—remain legendary.
Tragic End:
In 2015, Collins and his partner Alana Madill died in a car accident in France. His final act of heroism was shielding his baby daughter Ayla from the impact, a testament to the type of man he was.
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
