Dream Team: GJ van Velze – Worcester Captain & former Northampton and Bulls No.8

1. Soane Tonga’uiha – Played with him at North-ampton and he was a great bloke to have a beer with after games. Strong set piece and very good in the loose.
2. John Smit – One of my rugby idols growing up especially after what he achieved at the 2007 World Cup with South Africa. Got the chance to face him when he was at Saracens.
3. Owen Franks – The All Black is an unbelievable player with massive hits.
4. Bakkies Botha – I played with him at the Bulls. The typical enforcer in your pack. Exactly what you need from your No.4.
5. Johann Muller – It was a toss-up between him and Victor Matfield but Johann gets the nod because he’s a great guy. Was very unlucky not to get involved with the Springboks more because of Victor’s presence. Went to Ulster and became one of Europe’s finest.
6. Samu Manoa – Started playing rugby pretty late but incredibly skilful. He can play at lock, blindside or No.8 and he’s very good in all three.
7. David Pocock – I first faced him at an U19s World Cup and he made a big impression. Been unlucky with injuries in recent years but he’s a great player.
8. Duane Vermeulen – One of the toughest guys in world rugby. I played against him for the first time when I was 20 when he was at the Western Province. I’ll never forget what he did to me. As I was getting up from a ruck, he pulled me back, punched me in the nose and said ‘Welcome to the big league’.
9. Fourie du Preez – One of the best players I’ve played with. A great leader with great vision.
10. Morne Steyn – Just because of his combination with Fourie at the Bulls. Plays with a smile on his face and kicks his goals. Any team needs one like him to be successful.
11. George North – Great personality and a cracking player. Quick feet, good in the air, good in defence, he’s the whole package.
12. Jean de Villiers – A great servant to South African rugby for the past decade. Always been unlucky with injuries when it comes to World Cups.
13. Brian O’Driscoll – There was only one choice here. Achieved great things with Leinster, Ireland and the Lions. Being one of the first to celebrate on the pitch with the Lions despite being dropped tells you what a great guy he is.
14. Bryan Habana – Can score tries from anywhere. South Africa will expect a lot from their record try-scorer at the World Cup.
15. Chris Pennell – Just because of the peer pressure from the boys when I was picking the team. Works extremely hard and deserves all the praise he gets.