Alun Wyn Jones has picked the top three second-rowers he has faced during his incredible career, including one great Irishman.
Bakkies Botha
This was a man you didn’t mess with as a second row enforcer in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning team. With Toulon, he finished his career with three European Cup victories.
Jones Comment:
“He revelled in it didn’t he. Physically he has to be up there. Let’s just say he was able to keep the tradition going of the hardest of South African second rows.”
Paul O’Connell
The Irish second row had remarkable rugby abilities, having been one of the best tight forwards in the world for more than a decade. Three-time Lions captain who led the 2009 Lions visit to South Africa.
Jones Comment:
“We got to know each other very well as team-mates with the Lions and opponents for our clubs and countries. You cannot shy away from how effective the guy was in his position.”
Justin Harrison
Harrison, who is involved in a bitter rivalry with former England player Austin Healey, was almost as well-known for his outsized personality as he was for his rugby. He spent the latter years of his career with Ulster and Bath, and was a veteran of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Jones Comment:
“Away from the physical side, banter-wise it would have to be Aussie lock Justin Harrison. He was interesting to play against to say the least.”
