Brian O’Driscoll Names the Toughest Opponent He Ever Faced

The former Leinster star, who earned 133 caps for Ireland and captained his country with distinction, was never one to back down from a challenge.

Renowned for his lightning-quick footwork, razor-sharp rugby intellect, and relentless determination, O’Driscoll has now named the players who tested him most on the pitch.

His list offers a rare insight into the fierce battles at the heart of Test rugby – a world where only the very best survive. From bone-crunching tacklers to slippery attackers, these are the opponents who earned his respect the hard way.

Still celebrated today as both a rugby ambassador and role model, O’Driscoll’s reflections are essential reading for fans who followed his career – and for anyone aspiring to step into his legendary boots.

Sourcing several Q&A’s from down the years, including one with the Six Nations website, here are his top five opponents:

A dynamic centre who combined brute strength with incredible skill. Nonu’s line breaks were legendary, and his offloading game could turn a simple play into a highlight reel.

Famous for his braided hair and eyeliner, he wasn’t just about style—he scored a superb World Cup final try in 2011. Standing 5’11” and weighing 16 stone, he was as tough to stop as he was hard to ignore.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Same height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game."

“The Snake” for a reason. Smith’s hip movement and deceptive pace allowed him to slip through tiny gaps, leaving defenders grasping at air.

Beyond his agility, he brought exceptional vision and passing skills, making the All Blacks midfield fluid and dangerous. Calm under pressure, intelligent on attack, and surprisingly unassuming off the pitch—Smith was rugby’s quiet magician.

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."

The unsung hero of England’s back row. Hill did all the hard graft—tackling, rucking, and covering every inch of the field—with quiet efficiency.

A World Cup winner in 2003 and two-time Lions tourist, his versatility and work ethic made him indispensable. A human wall of reliability, Hill never sought the spotlight but commanded respect from anyone who faced him.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: "Richard Hill, England No.6 that won the World Cup in 2003. He was a brilliant teammate but he made that team tick, he was the unsung hero in that world cup win. He was hard! I always liked playing with guys that were nails in the team, that really stood up and never took a backwards step."

A towering figure at 6’4” and 17 stone, Jauzion combined size, skill, and vision to dominate the French midfield.

Known for his devastating offloads, he made teammates better and defenders’ lives miserable. Toulouse legend with multiple Heineken Cup finals, including wins in 2003 and 2005, Jauzion could carve through defences while making it look effortless.

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."

Rugby’s perfectionist and tactical genius. Wilkinson’s boot was lethal, scoring 1,246 points in 97 caps, including the iconic drop goal that won England the 2003 World Cup.

Obsessed with precision and detail, he pushed himself and his teammates to the limits, often scrutinizing every movement. The ultimate competitor—intense, brilliant, and slightly intimidating.

Brian O'Driscoll SAID: “Even to just get a snapshot of what his mind works like now and how he thinks about things is pretty eye-opening as to what sort of detail he went into as a player,”

“He’s an out-and-out perfectionist, he just needs that 10 out of 10. I don’t think you ever achieve it and I think he beats himself up about it, but he got pretty close to 10 a lot of times.”