All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has revealed the four back-rowers he hated to come up against, but there’s no room for Michael Hooper or Sam Warburton.
The legendary New Zealand flanker won an impressive 148 caps and lifted two Rugby World Cups as captain in 2011 and 2015.
When asked about his four toughest opponents he faced, the 40-year-old listed two World Cup winners among his list.
#1. George Smith (Australia)
- Position Back-row
- Height 5 ft 11 in
- Weight 233 lb
- Caps 111
Smith was a great contributor to Australian rugby in the modern era, playing in 111 tests across 13 years donning the green and gold jersey. 24 of those tests were against the All Blacks, of which Smith triumphed in seven – but only three in which McCaw also played.
McCaw said: Speaking in a Q+A with World Rugby, McCaw’s revealed former Wallabies flanker George Smith as the one he feared most on the field, saying Smith “was always pretty tough”.
“I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is.”
DID YOU KNOW? He was easily recognised on the field by his dreadlocked hair style until late 2006 – when he decided to sell his dreadlocks for charity. They were given to a charity for younger people with cancer.