Imagine stepping onto the rugby pitch, heart pounding, knowing you're about to face legends who could change the game—and leave you battered. That's the raw thrill and terror Peter O’Mahony captured when he named five players he 'hated' on the field, a list that included three iconic All Blacks. But here's where it gets controversial: is this 'hatred' really just a grudging respect for opponents who pushed you to your limits, or something deeper that blurs the line between rivalry and animosity?
Peter O’Mahony Named Five Players He 'Hated' on the Pitch – Including Three All Blacks
2. Richie McCaw
Position: Flanker
Caps: 148
O’Mahony on McCaw:
“One of my heroes. I feel very privileged to have played against him. The All Blacks have never replaced him.”
Player Bio:
Richie McCaw is often hailed as one of the greatest rugby players in history, a master who dominated the game with his exceptional skills. For those new to rugby, a flanker is a key position in the back row, responsible for tackling, rucking, and turning over the ball—think of it as the engine room of the team, where physicality meets strategy. McCaw excelled in this role with his precise control at the breakdown (that's the chaotic scrum where players compete for possession after a tackle), his inspiring leadership, and an unrelenting drive that never quit. As captain of the All Blacks, he led New Zealand to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, amassing an impressive 148 international caps. His impact redefined what it means to be a modern flanker, setting standards that others still strive to meet. And this is the part most people miss: his quiet, humble demeanor off the field made him a role model, proving that greatness comes from character as much as skill.
DID YOU KNOW?
McCaw’s Scottish roots added a fascinating twist to his persona—he took up the bagpipes, a traditional Scottish instrument, showcasing his diverse heritage. This quirky talent highlighted his understated leadership style, where actions spoke louder than words, both on and off the pitch.
1. Jerry Collins
Position: Flanker
Caps: 48
O’Mahony on Collins:
“In games, I remember that Ospreys team when I first started off. They had a back-row of Jerry Collins, [Filo] Tiatia, and Marty Holah. I was just out of my teens. It was a nasty enough back-row to come up against. Collins was a vicious bas***rd but a real gentleman off the pitch.”
Player Bio:
Jerry Collins embodied the fierce, no-holds-barred spirit of rugby, known for his bone-jarring tackles that could stop a train and his sheer physical presence that intimidated opponents. As a flanker, he brought unmatched raw power to the game, earning 48 caps for the All Blacks. His career left an indelible mark, inspiring a generation with his uncompromising style at club level, where he captained teams like the Hurricanes and Ospreys. For beginners, understanding Collins' role means appreciating how flankers like him turn the tide in matches by winning possession and disrupting plays—Collins did this with a brutality that was as legendary as it was effective. Yet, his legacy extends beyond the field, revealing a man of depth and kindness in his personal life.
DID YOU KNOW?
Collins shared a family bond as a cousin of the renowned All Black Tana Umaga, adding another layer to his rugby lineage. Tragically, he perished in a car accident in 2015 alongside his partner, but in his final moments, he shielded his infant daughter, Ayla, from harm—a heartbreaking act that underscored his protective nature and true character, both on and off the pitch.
EDITOR'S PICKS:
- Dan Carter Picks His Dream 15 From Past Teammates and Rivals (https://www.ruck.co.uk/dan-carter-picks-his-dream-15-from-past-teammates-and-rivals/)
- Statement: Saracens Confirms Tom Willis Departure (https://www.ruck.co.uk/statement-saracens-confirms-tom-willis-departure/)
- You Won’t Believe Mike Tindall’s $20,000 Stag Do Bar Bill (https://www.ruck.co.uk/you-wont-believe-mike-tindalls-20000-stag-do-bar-bill/)
- “$36 Billion” – Richest Rugby Owners (Ranked 5-1) (https://www.ruck.co.uk/36-billion-richest-rugby-owners-ranked-5-1/)
- Rugby Transfer Round-Up: Stuart Hogg, George Martin, Taulupe Faletau (https://www.ruck.co.uk/rugby-transfer-round-up-stuart-hogg-george-martin-taulupe-faletau/)
Pages: 1 (https://www.ruck.co.uk/peter-omahony-named-five-players-he-hated-on-the-pitch-including-three-all-blacks/) 2 (https://www.ruck.co.uk/peter-omahony-named-five-players-he-hated-on-the-pitch-including-three-all-blacks/2/) 3
Post navigation
What do you think—does O’Mahony's 'hatred' for these players stem from genuine disdain, or is it a sign of the intense respect elite athletes hold for their toughest foes? Could this reveal a darker side of rugby culture, where admiration and animosity intertwine? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree with his sentiments, or disagree? Let's spark a debate!
