"Viscous bas***d" - Peter O'Mahony ranks his three toughest opponents - Ruck

“Viscous bas***d” – Peter O’Mahony ranks his three toughest opponents

Ireland hero Peter O’Mahony has recalled some of the toughest players he has come up against throughout his career.

The 32-year-old, who we included in our 2022 World XV, was a star performer as Ireland recorded a historic first away series win in New Zealand this summer.

Interestingly, his trio of toughest ever opponents, which you can see below, all played for the All Blacks.

This interview was done prior to the 2022 tour.

PETER O’MAHONY: TOUGHEST OPPONENTS:

#3. Kieran Read

  • Age: 36
  • Position: Number 8
  • Caps: 128

O’Mahony said: “Read was probably the most skilful I’ve come up against whether it was backs or forwards – he’d be well up there as well.”

HRH Prince Harry shares a laugh with Kieran Read of New Zealand – Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle – Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 – Mobile:0797 1270 681 – VAT Reg No: 183700120 – 31/10/2015 – SPORT – RUGBY UNION – RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 FINAL – New Zealand v Australia – Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.

DID YOU KNOW? Read was a talented cricketer, representing Northern District age-group teams and being selected for the New Zealand Under-17 tournament side in 200

Super Rugby

  • Super Rugby Centurion
  • Super Rugby Champion – 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019

Individual

  • New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year
    • Winner: 2010, 2013
  • World Rugby Player of the Year
    • Winner: 2013
  • Test Rugby Centurion
  • All Black Captain: 2013 – 2019
  • 100 Test starts

In the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Read was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to rugby.

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