Dream Team: Thom Evans – former London Wasps, Glasgow and Scotland wing

1. Cian Healy – Mountain of a man who carries the ball really well. He is so powerful and has a bit of pace about him.
2. Gareth Williams – He was awesome every time I played against him – really quick for a hooker with great skills and was a menace to play against.
3. Martin Castrogiovanni – He is just an animal – I love the intensity that he brings. He puts his body on the line all the time and has done wonders for Italy.
4. Richie Gray – I saw him grow up through the ranks at Glasgow and he was an absolute unit. You get tall guys but not built the way he is and he can actually play. He has a lot of skill and a good brain.
5. Simon Shaw – I was in the Wasps academy for two years and Simon always gave me a lot of confidence. He is definitely one of the nicest guys I have come across, for someone who is so intimidating.
6. Kelly Brown – He loves the physical side and he is such a great leader. Off the pitch I have done some singing with him – he has got an unbelievable voice, which not many people know. He can do a great Mustang Sally.
7. Tom Rees – I first played him at Wellington against RGS High Wycombe. I ran into him and in a second the ball had been stolen and he was off – I thought “who is this freak?” The first name on my teamsheet.
8. Pierre Spies – In my first cap against South Africa he was incredible – ridiculously quick for a big guy and in terms of his athletic ability, I don’t think anyone comes close.
9. Byron Kelleher – We were beating Toulouse in the Heineken Cup until he came on and almost single-handedly won it for them. He brought something that had not been seen for a while.
10. Dan Carter – He just makes it look effortless and he creates something out of nothing. He is the guy to look to in a moment of need.
11. Bryan Habana – A real nightmare to mark when we faced the Boks. He edges out Shane Williams – I have never come across anyone with more dangerous footwork than the Welshman.
12. Jamie Roberts – An immensely bright guy who reads the game so well. He was working at the hospital when I got my injury – as you do after an international.
13. Brian O’Driscoll – I know, it’s an obvious call, but he just has an immense skill set. I always found him and Gordon D’Arcy so good together. You have to work so hard against those two.
14. Tommy Bowe – Class act with great understanding for the game. I think he made a massive difference for the Lions and it is testament to his dedication to get back after almost being written off for the tour.
15. Rory Lamont – There was a season at Glasgow where he couldn’t be brought down. He had probably the best hand-off I’ve seen. Me, my brother and both Lamonts were all on the field against Wales at one point, which I had always wanted – even if only for two minutes.