Irish rugby icon Peter O’Mahony has faced some of the best players in the world, but when asked to pick his three toughest opponents, he didn’t hesitate.
His selections? All three are legendary All Blacks, known for their physicality, leadership, and skill on the field. Let’s take a closer look at these titans of the game.
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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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