Check out who retiring England hooker Dylan Hartley chose as his toughest opponents throughout his spectacular rugby career.
Uini Atonio (France)
Hartley’s comment:
“For the sheer size of the big man (145kg), he could sure get around the pitch.”
Owen Farrell (England)
Hartley’s comment:
“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.”
John Smit (South Africa)
One of the most illustrious commanders of the modern age. In 111 Tests, he led South Africa to a record 83 victories, including the 2007 World Cup, a series victory over the Lions in 2009, and two Tri-Nations crowns.
Sergio Parisse (Italy)
In rugby, there is no such thing as a one-man team, although Italy has come close to being one in the last decade or so. Of course, that one man is their talismanic skipper.
Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his own backyard was a fair homage to one of the greatest All Blacks of all time, but he went on to achieve real legend status over the next four years.
Hartley’s Comment:
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.”
