In the lead up to the England game, it was Graham Rowntree and George Kruis. As Ireland prepare to play Wales in another crucial Six Nations encounter, it's Alun Wyn Jones.
Opponents can't help but articulate their admiration for Paul O'Connell in what is likely his last Six Nations tournament.
Speaking to RBS6Nations.com, the Welsh second row was effusive in expressing the high esteem in which he holds the Munster man.
You associate words like icon and talisman with him. He is the ultimate team player.
I remember a quote of his a while back that puts the role of a forward, particularly a tight-five forward, into the right perception for anyone - it is a job you do to make other people look good, and he has been doing that for Ireland since he has had the jersey.
It highlights his drive and determination for the team, which is more than any individual feat.
Wyn Jones has also been a teammate of the 35-year-old on two Lions tours. So his experience of O'Connell is not solely as an opponent.
I have played alongside him a few times in some pretty big games. He is all for the team.
He speaks when when he needs to, and what he says is not for the sake of it, but has meaning. He is one of the few guys able to back that up with performances, and he has a CV that speaks for itself.
Coming up in nine or ten days time, no doubt, Richie Gray and Johnnie Beattie on Paul O'Connell.
Picture credit: SPORTSFILE
