1 Nathan Catt
Tough, agile and a truly great scrummager to go with it. Has been very unlucky with injury but could still do a job for England if ever called upon.
2 Rob Webber
Part of a dying breed of old-fashioned rugby players who fully understands the game’s values. Top skill-set, good value in the bar afterwards.
3 Greg Somerville
Quite simply he was the fittest prop I have ever seen when I was at Gloucester. An awesome scrummager, top bloke and All Black to boot.
4 Roy Winters
Known as ‘Big Dad’ for the way he always looked after youngsters. Hard working and always in the right place. Possibly rugby’s nicest person.
5 Danny Grewcock
I made my debut for Bristol against Danny and learned a few things that day! Wonderfully hard, committed man with a great engine. Top England player.
6 Geraint Lewis
Welsh back rower who sat on the physio bed all week, barely trained and then unleashed magic at the weekend. Most natural rugby player I’ve ever seen.
7 Francois Louw
Great professional who just has an uncanny habit of being in the right place at the right time and getting the crucial turnover when it’s needed.
8 Duane Vermeulen
Big, physical presence behind the scrum with or without the ball. Always a huge foe but a great pleasure to be with him at Toulon last season.
9 Michael Claassens
When ‘Claassy’ was running the show teams would spend the whole week preparing to face him and ignore the rest, he was that big a threat.
10 George Ford
Very few people talk as much as George on the field. His skill-set in attack is enough to unlock any defence and he should be cherished by England.
11 Semesa Rokoduguni
One of the best players under a high ball in the world and add to that he can run around or over people, he’s some player to have in your side.
12 Mathieu Bastareaud
Has a bit of a temper problem as we know, but can be absolutely devastating with the ball. Bit like Roko, just runs straight through people.
13 Jonathan Joseph
JJ is as quick and skilful as any No.13, but it’s his defence that impresses me most. His game-understanding and work-rate makes everyone else’s life easier.
14 Semi Radradra
It’s essential to get Semi into a game as much as possible. The Bordeaux man could be the best player in the world right now because I’m not sure what he can’t do.
15 Nick Abendanon
Simply the most courageous full-back I’ve ever played with. He never ducks a challenge and is skilful, quick and gifted at timing a counter-ruck.
