SHANE McGRATH: South Africa were important opponents in shaping the career of Paul O'Connell. Specifically, 2009 was vital. It pitched the iconic lock into action against the Boks four times.

James O'Connell died after the plane he was flying crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show held in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town, over the weekend.

James O'Connell died after the plane he was flying crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show held in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town, over the weekend.