Dream Team: Alex Rieder – Wasps flanker

1. Mako Vunipola – The in-form loosehead in the country. Unbelievable around the park and his scrummaging has improved massively.
2. Ashley Johnson – Outstanding this season. Such a nice guy but an animal on the field. Worked so hard to make his switch to hooker work.
3. Jake Cooper-Woolley – A few untimely injuries slowed him down but he’s definitely going to get capped by England. So strong and can carry as well as he can scrummage.
4. Maro Itoje – I’ve got to put him in after he mugged me off live on TV with that strip. He sky-rocketed to the top and from what I hear he’s the ultimate professional.
5. Joe Launchbury – Our captain is a lovely bloke and he’s so dedicated. To see him next to you on the pitch just gives you confidence.
6. Thomas Young – I’m so happy for to see him in the Wales squad and, fingers crossed, he’ll actually play. Worked so hard and probably the player who learned the most from George Smith.
7. George Smith – Absolute legend of the game and the aura he brought to Wasps last season was just amazing. Helped everyone in training and enjoyed a beer with the boys too.
8. Billy Vunipola – I remember playing against him when he was 18 and it took four of us to take him down. The way he makes grown men look like boys is unbelievable. Always on the front foot.
9. Dan Robson – The best scrum-half in the country and I’m surprised he hasn’t been capped yet. So much flair to unlock the tightest of defences. Not to be underestimated in defence, too.
10. Jimmy Gopperth – Everything he does runs like clockwork. He makes everyone feel so confident with the way he organises things. Also loves to put his head where it hurts in defence. And what about that kick against Exeter last season?!
11. Sinoti Sinoti – Trying to tackle him is so terrifying. He’s like a train who always tops the stats in terms of defenders beaten and metres made.
12. Jack Roberts – Leicester are starting to realise how good my old Titans mate is. He’s five foot nothing but he’s as strong as anyone and he’s so quick. If he can keep going it wouldn’t surprise me if he goes on tour with Wales.
13. Juan Pablo Socino – He can do it all and he’s the main reason why Newcastle are doing so well right now. Amazing at Titans and he’s doing the same in the Premiership.
14. Jason Robinson – One of the best wingers that’s ever lived. I was a young pup when I played against him and I’d never seen anyone that good.
15. Charles Piutau – The best New Zealander in the world right now. Gets all the plaudits and for good reasons. Great feet but also so strong and makes anyone trying to tackle him look like a fool.