It’s question I get asked a lot, who are the best players I have come up against? And a question that brings back plenty of great memories.
My list of the best I’ve experienced tends to change regularly, mainly due to the fact have forgotten about occasions like the time I played in a backline with an average age of 21 against the Ospreys, then the Galàcticos of Welsh rugby
10. Manu Tuilagi - A power house! A tough day in the office playing in the centre vs this guy, giving up a 30kg weight difference and the most powerful player I’ve experienced.
9. Peceli Yato - Left field, many won’t initially recognise the name. But, Clermont away 2016, never have I experienced someone impact a game so much.
8. Frederic Michalak - Mercurial, at 9 or 10, some of the best flow to a player I can think of. He did it all in a game vs Toulouse circa 2007/8.
7. Jerry Collins - The late Jerry Collins, again another force of nature on the rugby pitch, dominating teams on his own.
6. George North - Best moving ‘Big Man’ in the game. He is a genuine big human, makes most of the forward packs look average and defies physics the way he steps and his speed, electric.
5. Bakkies Botha - The ultimate enforcer, I remember getting rag dolled by this guy a few times while out in Toulon.
4. Faf De Klerk - Although luckily at the Chiefs we tended to stay on the right side of results against this guy, you could only marvel at his abilities.
3. Johny Wilkinson - No need to talk about his game, it speaks for itself. The lasting memory I have was how humble and genuine a person he was.
2. Shane Williams - My second favourite Welsh player of all time, behind only Scott Gibbs. Electric feet and acceleration, scoring tries others simply couldn’t.
1. Matt Giteau - My fav of all time to play against, he had everything: pass, kick, run, find space for others and whatever else there is to do in rugby.
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