Brodie Retallick has never shied away from a physical battle, and in a wide-ranging conversation with RugbyPass the two-time World Cup winner has finally revealed what he said to Peter O'Mahony during one of the most talked-about flashpoints between New Zealand and Ireland.
Asked to recall the moment, the 139-Test lock was characteristically direct.
"Oi, Peter, four more years, you [expletive] wet," Retallick said, quoting himself word-for-word.
The second-row forward laughed about the exchange now, but was quick to stress that there is no lingering bad blood with the former Ireland captain. If anything, he has gone out of his way to make sure the respect is mutual.
"Have talked to Peter a few times, had a beer with him and think it's all part of the game and hopefully he sees it that it was left out there," Retallick said.
For all the fire in the encounter, Retallick holds O'Mahony in high regard — particularly after watching him deliver 27 tackles in a World Cup final. Retallick even admitted he could do little more than marvel at the Irishman's physicality up close.
"I think he made 27 tackles in the World Cup final. They're both holding each other like this and my arms look like two picks and his are like cannons," he said.
Career-defining games
Pressed on the most thrilling matches of his career, Retallick did not hesitate. The All Blacks' infamous quarter-final with Ireland in Paris and the equally chaotic 2015 quarter-final against France in Cardiff sit at the top of the list.
"I think that game and the quarterfinal of 2015 with the French were probably the two most exciting games to be in," he said.
Whitelock's farewell
Retallick also reflected on the retirement of his long-time second-row partner Sam Whitelock, describing his old teammate as one of the best to ever wear the black jersey. The pair pushed each other harder than almost any partnership in New Zealand rugby history.
"I think with me and Sam, like we were probably just both so competitive and when I was kind of trying to make the All Blacks, he was the next big thing — and that's what spurred us along during our career. It's just trying to be out there to each other, probably, and kept us going," Retallick said.
Asked whether Whitelock deserves to be regarded as one of the greats, Retallick did not hesitate.
"He's got to be top five like for me. Most cap — there's a reason you can endure, and the professionalism and the ability to play. He's definitely in the top five," he said.
Retallick's all-time All Blacks
The lock then ran through his own personal Mount Rushmore of New Zealand rugby. Dan Carter, he said, stands alone at the top — even at 38 he was lasting training sessions and nailing goal-kicks in Japan.
"Number one, I'd have to go Dan Carter. He'd be my number one. He's an absolute wizard as we all know. And I was lucky enough to play with him here for a couple of seasons. Even at 38, he was lasting on the training field, always kicking goals — just his level of professionalism," Retallick said.
Richie McCaw, inevitably, is right behind him.
"And then probably his partner in crime, Richie McCaw would have to be right behind him. Number two. Obviously, same thing — legend and just so good on and off the field and his leadership," he added.
Rounding out the top three is Aaron Smith, whose continued form in Japan still impresses Retallick.
"I'm going to say Aaron Smith. Obviously played with Nugget a long time and he is an unreal number nine. Just his ability and his competitiveness. He could still be there right now," he said.
For a player who has faced the best of every era, Retallick's verdict carries weight. It also underlines what so often separates the longest-serving All Blacks from the rest: the ability to be both fearsome on the field and generous the moment the final whistle blows.
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*Originally published on [Rugby News Online](https://rugbynews.online/article/brodie-retallick-peter-omahony-four-more-years-exchange). Visit for full coverage.*
