Cape Town - Former France flank Serge Betsen believes he got the better of All Blacks legend Richie McCaw during their playing days.
The 43-year-old Betsen, who played 63 Tests for France between 1997 and 2007, spoke exclusively to Sport24 this week.
In the interview, Betsen says he often gets asked the question about who the toughest player he ever faced was.
Betsen says he has the utmost of respect for McCaw - who played 148 times for New Zealand - but cannot say the former All Black skipper was his toughest opponent.
“We played in the same position and he is somebody I really admire and truly respect in terms of what he achieved as a rugby player and All Black captain. When I played against him I knew that I always had to be on the top of my game,” Betsen said, before continuing: “However, as an opponent, he didn’t really impress me when we played against each other because I felt as though I always got the better of him in matches. I was able to beat the All Blacks twice in three starts. Meanwhile, I also hold a great record against the Springboks - I played them on three occasions, between 2001 and 2006, and ended up with a 100 percent win record.”