Every now and again a sportsperson's legacy and ability surpasses national borders. Paul O'Connell definitely does that. On celebrating Paul O'Connell's 100th cap, ESPN have recounted the seven greatest moments from a wonderful career.
Former Welsh international Huw Richards selected O'Connell's first international cap, Ireland's victory over England in 2004, Munster's second Heineken Cup win, the Grand Slam game in 2009, becoming Lions captain in 2009, Munster's victory at Harlequins in 2013 and Ireland's victory over South Africa.
We won't argue too much with those moments but we've gone for our own and there's a few differences.
2002 - Ireland v Wales
Much like ESPN, it's hard to not include Paul O'Connell's first cap for Ireland. The picture above is his first international try, one that he famously can't remember after sustaining a concussion in the game.
2006 - Ireland v South Africa
Paul O'Connell was nominated for the IRB player of the year in 2006, with his performance in the test against South Africa in 2006 possibly his outstanding test of the year. He was the only Northern Hemisphere nominee included.
2007 - Ireland v England
One of Ireland's greatest ever wins, but O'Connell was the talisman that day, and in a thumping like that, when a forward gets the man of the match, you know he's on form.
2009 - Ireland v South Africa
2009 was probably one of Paul O'Connell's best years, but the dedication taken to learning Africaans to take down the South African lineout in Ireland's unbeaten year is extraordinary. Ireland won the game 15-12.
2009 - Irish & British Lion Captain
A fantastic personal achievement, but the reaction from the other players on tour of O'Connell's leadership was overwhelmingly positive. O'Connell the great leader was born.
2013 - Harlequins v Munster
Never has one man taken a team on his back more since Diego Maradona. This will forever be O'Connell's greatest ever performance. The only actual 10/10 performance in history.
2014 - Ireland v Australia
Paul O'Connell continues to defy logic at 35. O'Connell was outstanding last November, but this tackle against Australia demonstrates how he leads by example on the field.
Photo Credit Sportsfile
