Brian O'Driscoll names the three best centres he played against during his career

Rugby News
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 at 20:13
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Take a look at who retired Ireland and Lions centre Brian O'Driscoll picked out as the best centres he came up against during his stellar rugby career.
Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with the Six Nations website, here are his top five opponents:

3. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Same height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game."

2. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)

Nicknamed The Snake because of his ability to slither through the smallest of gaps and strike with a sudden burst of speed. Brought fluidity to the All Blacks midfield with his intelligent passing and vision.
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: “I thought Conrad Smith was always one of the really difficult ones. He was nicknamed ‘Snake’ I think because of his hips and it doesn’t look like he’s going that fast but jeez, he can travel."

1. Yannick Jauzion (France)

The 73-cap France international was a member of the Toulouse team that reached the Heineken Cup final in 2003, 2004 and 2005, winning in 2003 and 2005. The centre was named as the man of the match in the 2005 Heineken Cup Final as Toulouse defeated Stade Français
Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Jauzion was just incredible and was so hard to stop, with his offloading ability. France built so much off and around him. 6-foot-4 and probably 17-stone."

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