Dream Team: Carl Kirwan – Worcester flanker

1. Alec Hepburn – His work rate is phenomenal and he seems to have got his scrummaging right since we played together at London Welsh. He was on fire for the Saxons last summer.
2. Dave Ward – I played against him and, as an openside myself, he is far too good over the ball. He got in the way of my game a lot of times.
3. Nick Schonert – He’s still young for a tighthead but he was in great form last season always getting the Worcester scrum going forward. Works really hard around the park, too.
4. Maro Itoje – His work rate is superb and it’s like having an extra back rower when he’s on the field. He’s got all the attributes you want from a rugby player.
5. James Horwill – He put in a couple of big shots on me when we played Harlequins last season so for that reason I’ve got to pick him.
6. Robin Copeland – I’m not too sure how he’s doing now at Munster but when I played with him at Rotherham he was a phenomenal athlete. So quick despite his big frame.
7. George Smith – Everything about him is outstanding. He knows how to move the ball, when to move it. Another one with all the things you need to be a great player.
8. Opeti Fonua – He was about 150kg when he arrived at London Welsh. He couldn’t move but he carried the ball so much and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him not get over the gainline.
9. Francois Hougaard – I like people who work hard and he’s one of those. Passes the ball well but he’s not afraid of contact. Some people must think they’ve been hit by a back row when he tackles them.
10. Charlie Hodgson – I just loved the way he put pace on the ball. Saracens looked completely different when he was at fly-half instead of Owen Farrell.
11. Sinoti Sinoti – You never know what the Samoan is going to do whether that’s stepping you or sitting you down. You’ve just got to hold on and go for the ride really.
12. Manu Tuilagi – A destructive ball carrier who can create anything from anywhere. Powerful carrier who gets over the gain line. Unfortunate with injuries.
13. Jonathan Joseph – He’s like another winger playing in midfield and he’s got good hands, too. A scary combination to have and he’s got a great outside break.
14. Bryce Heem – A quality player all around. He’s got so much pace you struggle to keep up with him in a line break situation.
15. Chris Pennell – His leadership sets him apart along with the way he controls the air. He is the ultimate professional and has done great for the Warriors over the years.