All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has revealed the toughest opponent he shared the field with in his illustrious rugby career.
The former captain is widely regarded as one of the game's greatest, having led New Zealand to two World Cup victories as well as amassing an impressive 148 tests caps, with 110 as skipper.
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".
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 had earlier revealed that his respect for Smith goes back a long way.
"I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is."
LIST | 21 things to do when you can't watch rugby
Coronavirus cases in the UK are increasing daily, and the UK has now entered the ‘delay phase' of the Government's plan to tackle COVID-19.
Here are 21 things you need to do during rugby's absence.
1. Go watch a rugby movie/documentary.
2. Counting your loose change. See if you've got enough around the house for a few pints on your next rugby outing.
3. Play some of RUCK's rugby quizzes. Post the results publicly...unless you do badly.
4. Read a rugby autobiography. We suggest Doddie Weir's book!
5. Give Rugby 20 a go! Out now for PC, PS4 and X-Box One.
6. Or maybe a more classic rugby game...
7. Argue with your friends about anything rugby related. Feel free to join our Facebook Group and join the chat.
8. Learn some awful to disappoint your friends. Example:
Why did Cinderella get kicked off the rugby team? Because she kept running away from the ball!
9. Lay in bed and constantly text your friends asking if they have any ideas about what to do
10. Do some exercise. Whether you're doing press-ups or just stretching to keep yourself loose, keep yourself healthy.
11. Rewatch your FAVOURITE rugby matches. Here's our list of the eight best ever. Start here...
12. Keep in touch with friends and teammates. Together, hopefully banter will see us through what could be a lonely period.
13. Find out how long you can hold a plank for.
14. Write a love letter to your favourite player, and then throw it in the bin when you realise how embarrassing and mushy you sound.
15. The Chiropractor. Watch this compilation of Bryan Lima hits. OUCH.
16. Memorise some famous rugby quotes
17. Organise and admire your collection of rugby stash.
18. Go back and appreciate how good Jonny Wilkinson was
19. Come up with a new gym routine and playlist. Come back stronger.
20. Think about what you want to get out of the rest of the year and make a plan.
21. Make a list of things to do when there is no rugby and you’re bored.
