'He punctured my lung' - Dylan Hartley has ranked his 5 toughest opponents

Monday, 20 December 2021 at 20:37

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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)

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."

#2. Uini Atonio (France)

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: "Owens 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)

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