Dylan Hartley ranks his FIVE toughest opponents, one punctured his lung

Saturday, 06 April 2024 at 18:19

byRugby Rucker

Take a look at who retired England hooker Dylan Hartley has picked his toughest opponents from his stellar rugby career.

#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

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.

Hartley wrote in autobiography 'The Hurt': "I punctured my lung tackling Richie McCaw during my fifteenth England appearance against the All Blacks. I hit him hard and low but came off a lot worse. He never gave an inch."

#2. Uini Atonio (France)

Hartley said: "For the sheer size of the big man (145kg), he could sure get around the pitch."

Uini Atonio of La Rochelle is tackled by Cheslin Kolbe of Toulouse during the European Champions Cup Final match between La Rochelle and Toulouse at Twickenham Stadium, London on May 22 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

#3. Owen Farrell (England)

Hartley wrote: "Owen disproves the fashionable theory that the best player doesn't make the best captain. He's the star who inspires by example. He conducts himself impeccably for club and country."

Owen Farrell (c) of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK

#4. John Smit (South Africa)

One of the great captains of the professional era. Led South Africa a record 83 times in 111 Tests, guiding them to victory at the 2007 World Cup, a series triumph over the Lions in 2009 and two Tri-Nations titles. A teak hard performer in his own right, mainly at hooker, but also at prop.

Springbok Captain, John Smit forcing his way up field with England's, Tom Rees in his way - Photo mandatory by-line: Jan Kruger / Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 221108 - SPORT - RUGBY - INTERNATIONAL - INVESTEC CHALLENGE - ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA - TWICKENHAM

#5. Sergio Parisse (Italy)

There’s no such thing as a one-man team in rugby, but it’s got pretty close to that with Italy at times over the past decade or so. That one man, of course, is their talismanic skipper.

Sergio Parisse of Stade Francais looks dejected during the rugby Top 14 match between Stade Francais Paris and CA Brive at Stade Jean Bouin on December 31, 2016 in Paris, France. ( Photo by Andre Ferreira / Icon Sport ) (Photo by Andre Ferreira/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

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