The 10 Greatest Second-Rowers in Rugby History – Ranked
04/22/2025 04:28 AM
From enforcers to lineout kings, the engine room of rugby has always been packed with giants—both in stature and in legacy.
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We’ve crunched the numbers, rewatched the classics, and argued over the coffee machine to bring you the ultimate ranking of the greatest second-rowers of all time.
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10. Paul O'Connell – The Irish General
A born leader and relentless workhorse, O'Connell was the heartbeat of Irish rugby for over a decade. Lineout ninja. Defensive colossus. Inspirational skipper. If grit had a face, it'd look a lot like Paulie.
9. Alun Wyn Jones – The Ironman
The most capped player in history and a true Welsh icon. His longevity is borderline ridiculous, and his commitment never wavered. Tough as old boots and twice as loyal.
8. Victor Matfield – The Lineout Lord
If lineouts were a religion, Matfield would be the high priest. The Springbok maestro orchestrated aerial dominance like few others. Pure elegance in a 6’7″ frame.
7. Brodie Retallick – The Modern Monster
The ultimate hybrid lock—power, skill, and a surprising turn of pace. Retallick redefined what a second-row could be in the modern game. Brutal and brilliant in equal measure.
6. Nathan Sharpe – Australia’s Underrated Rock
Never flashy, always fantastic. Sharpe was Australia's cornerstone for years, giving Wallabies fans consistency in a time of chaos. An unsung titan.
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