Dream Team: Mathew Tait – Leicester and former England, Sale and Newcastle full-back

1. Carl Hayman – He is a quality scrummager who came to Newcastle at his peak. His understanding of being a ball player as a prop was a key trait of his.
2. Yom Youngs – To switch from centre is pretty much unheard-of in the modern era but to go on and be part of a winning Lions series is incredible. He is also a top bloke – a typical farmer.
3. Dan Cole – He has been around for a long time and looks about 40, but he is a cornerstone for England as an extra back-rower.
4. Geoff Parling – Another Lion and one from my Newcastle days – he has gone from a gangly bloke to a Lions winning second-row. Self-proclaimed lord of the lineout.
5. Simon Shaw – I was lucky enough to play with him for England. He was a big old man and he seemed to get better as he got older. He only retired last year so just an amazing player.
6. Tom Croft – As much as it pains me to put him in, there is not really anyone like him around in terms of his athletic ability and pace. He is very unlucky with injuries but he always seems to be fit for World Cups and Lions tours.
7. Julian Salvi – His work at the breakdown is incredible. He’s had the most turnovers in the Premiership in the last couple of seasons, which he reminds everyone about.
8. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe – Passionate bloke who always gives 110 per cent and expected you to do the same during our time at Sale. He’s now at Toulon and still a talisman for Argentina.
9. Ben Youngs – Just a great player when he is on form and a real game-changer. Danny Care is playing very well at the moment and it is great for England that there are three quality nines.
10. Jonny Wilkinson – I’ve played with some good 10s but I can’t go away from Jonny. He is someone that everyone looks up to. His motivation and devotion to do better is amazing.
11. Niki Goneva – He is a freak of an athlete. He seems to be able to create something out of nothing and he keeps scoring tries. He’s having a great year and been so important for us.
12. Jamie Noon – He was there when I was at Newcastle and him and Anthony Allen are very similar players – just the organisation and understanding. He also used to hit a lot harder than his relatively small frame suggests.
13. Manu Tuilagi – Similar to Niki – he is just another freak of an athlete. He has also got a lot better rugby brain than people give him credit for. The fact that he is still so young is a bit scary.
14. Geordan Murphy – He was a massive help when I first arrived at Leicester. He has one of the most glittering careers of anyone and he has a lot of knowledge of high pressure games.
15. Matt Burke – He was a top bloke who always had time to speak and train with the younger lads. He was just the definition of class – on and off the pitch.