“Broke my ribs twice” – James Haskell ranks his 5 toughest opponents

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

Haskell said: "The thing that has stood out for me is his decision-making at the breakdown,  knowing when to compete for the ball, to clear out or to get back in the line, he always makes the right decision and he’s been doing it for years."

Came back from injury and life-threatening illness to enjoy an immense international swansong at the 2015 World Cup. A carrying king who went on to join Saracens.

Haskell said: "A player who showed absolutely no regard for his body. He was just so incredibly physical and it was so tough playing against him."

Haskell said: "I was pretty mortified when I found out he’s coming back to the Premiership with Newcastle a few years back. Just when you think you’re in the clear, the Tuilagis all start coming back. So, so powerful. I think he broke my ribs twice."

Wilkinson scored 1,246 during his 97 caps for England and the Lions. His finest hour, of course, came in 2003, when he slotted the drop goal that won the World Cup.

Haskell said: "Another who just constantly sets the standard. Close call with Dan Carter but I have to go for Jonny because of his attitude and the way he gives his all for the cause."

Haskell said: "There's no-one that's ever scared me because, I think, then you wouldn't play the game... but there was one player that I was super wary of and always wondered where he was. That was Henry Tuilagi.

"The problem with Henry is, for a start, he was about 135kgs. He used to stand in the back-field and people used to kick him the ball, and he would catch it and hold it in one hand. His hand was so big that it looked like a miniature rugby ball.

"And he would run... and just the f***ing hate in his face. He was just like whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop, and he would run so f***ing hard.

"Obviously the first person would be like, 'I'll do it [tackle him]!' and they'd just bounce off him... dust!

"Then I'd be like, 'I love you mum!', and dive into the spokes! It was horrific."