England legends Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson named their toughest opponents

Friday, 04 October 2024 at 16:53

byRugby Rucker

England rugby legends and Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson have revealed the five toughest opponents they faced during their illustrious careers.

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With Johnson known for his leadership and Wilkinson remembered for his game-winning drop goal in 2003, both men have played against some of the sport's greatest talents.

Their choices provide insight into the physicality and skill of the players who tested them the most on the global stage.

From brutal forwards to electrifying backs, these selections reflect the intensity and respect that come with competing at rugby’s highest level.

5. Wilkinson - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

A veteran of four World Cups, Brian O’Driscoll made a name for himself on the World Stage for his unwavering consistency in defence and dazzling skills in attack.

O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player.

Wilkinson said: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

5. Johnson - Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)

Johnson said: " “Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain.”

4. Wilkinson - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s talismanic captain Richie McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015.

Wilkinson said: “The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No Rugby World cup team would be complete without him.”

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4. Joe Roff (Australia)

Johnson said: “You’d put David Campese up there but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, and old-style wing.”

3. Wilkinson - Bakkies Botha (South Africa)

Bakkies Botha made his World Cup debut in 2003, scoring three tries for South Africa.

His second Rugby World Cup appearance followed in 2007 where he played a pivotal role in the Springboks' charge to the sport's biggest prize.

Wilkinson said: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

3. Johnson - Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

Johnson said: "The Ireland captain was a very special player. A character on and off the field, playing against a young O'Connell in 2002 it was clear he was going to be something really special."

2. Wilkinson - Tim Horan (Australia)

Wilkinson wrote: “A guy that knew how to win, knew how to play the game. His body language suggested he didn’t really know how to fail or what mistakes were, what under performance was.”

2. Johnson - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Johnson said: “Just the way he carried himself and the way he spoke to his players, it had a big influence on players around him. A legend of the game,"

1. Wilkinson - Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences.

Jonah Lomu burst on to the scene at the 1995 with his eye catching performances and devastating runs, most recognisably against England in the 1995 tournament, where he steamrollered his way to 4 tries.

Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999, making him the top try scorer of the tournament.

Wilkinson wrote: “The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No toughest opponents list would be complete without him.”

1. Johnson - Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Johnson said: "A guy like Jonah Lomu could do things that nobody could do and change games. Nobody else on the field would have scored that try and they went on to win the game. But even he needed his teammates... sometimes he didn't."