Dream Team: James Haskell – Wasps & England and former Stade Francais, Ricoh Black Rams and Highlanders flanker
2. Trevor Leota – Easily the best hooker I’ve played with. He had the complete skill-set and he put in some of the biggest hits I’ve seen.
3. Paul Doran Jones – I’ve got to go for my old mate Paul. Another very good scrummager, and surprisingly he’s in pretty good shape for a prop – there aren’t many with a six pack but he’s one of them.
4. Simon Shaw – Shawsy is one of the best I’ve played with. A fantastic pro with great hands and great aerial prowess – and a great bloke as well.
5. Chris Jack – A world class lock who would make an ideal partnership with Shawsy. He has ability like no other lock I’ve seen.
6. Schalk Burger – A player who shows absolutely no regard for his body. He is just so incredibly physical and it is so tough playing against him.
7. Richie McCaw – The thing that has stood out for me is his decision-making at the breakdown, knowing when to compete for the ball, to clear out or to get back in the line, he always makes the right decision and he’s been doing it for years.
8. Lawrence Dallaglio – There were a number of competitors but I’ve got to show a bit of loyalty to Lawrence. He’d be captain in this team, his leadership was incredible and was someone I really looked up to coming through at Wasps.
9. Danny Care – I just love the way he plays. The energy and the skill that he brings. Some of his footballing skills are just amazing and he’s got good chat as well.
10. Jonny Wilkinson – Another who just constantly sets the standard. Close call with Dan Carter but I have to go for Jonny because of his attitude and the way he gives his all for the cause.
11. Rupeni Caucau – Just an incredible player who would score incredible tries. He could look like a 40-year-old builder with his belly hanging out but he could still turn it on.
12. Ma’a Nonu – I played with him in Japan and he’s another great bloke off the pitch and on it he has some fantastic skills. He can tackle, pass, kick and he’s a real handful.
13. Tamati Ellison – Another I played with in Japan. Ultra-professional and if it wasn’t for injuries I’m sure he’d have won more New Zealand caps.
14. Alesana Tuilagi – I was pretty mortified when I found out he’s coming back to the Premiership with Newcastle. Just when you think you’re in the clear, the Tuilagis all start coming back. So, so powerful.
15. Jason Robinson – What incredible footwork. I remember an England session at the 2007 World Cup and he was getting frustrated during a sidestepping drill. Mark Cueto just turned to him to explain not everyone had feet like him.
