Dream Team: Thomas Waldrom – Exeter and former Leicester and England No.8

1. Joe Marler – I got to pick Joe just because of his banter really. He’s also a very good prop and I fully expect to see him start for England at loosehead at the World Cup.
2. Dane Coles – We played together when we were younger and it was obvious back then that he had something special. He’s had to put on some weight but it hasn’t slowed him down. Very skilful and has been nurtured as the true heir to Keven Mealamu.
3. Dan Cole – My old Leicester teammate is the best tighthead in the world at the moment. His scrummaging sets him apart from the rest. Crucial to England World Cup hopes.
4. Geoff Parling – His knowledge of running the lineout is second to none and he’s going to be really good for Exeter. It’ll help to take our game to the next level.
5. Dean Mumm – Very athletic. He’s basically a back trapped in a 6ft 5in body. Good to see him back in the Wallaby squad.
6. Dave Ewers – I know what he can do and I think it won’t be long before the Test scene discovers that. A very special player who can be unstoppable.
7. Scott Waldrom – My brother gets a free pass on this one. We have a good understanding when we’re on the pitch together.
8. Kieran Read – Very skilful player with great leadership qualities. I’m pretty sure he’ll take over as the All Blacks captain once Richie McCaw retires.
9. Andy Ellis – The Crusaders scrum-half is one of the most competitive people I have ever met and that’s definitely something you want from your No.9.
10. Henry Slade – Just a great all-round footballer and has the boot and kicking game to match. Very pleased he’s made the final England World Cup squad.
11. Jonah Lomu – I played with the great man at Wellington in the ITM Cup. Pretty obvious why he’s in my team.
12. Ben Smith – I know he plays at full-back but I’d like to have him in there. He knows the game really well and it’d be good to have him touch the ball as much as possible to cause chaos.
13. Casey Laulala – His all-round game makes him on of the best players I’ve played with. I also played against him in the European Cup when he was playing for Cardiff and it was a lot more enjoyable when he was in my team at Crusaders.
14. Tana Umaga – The former All Black captain was the one who looked after me when I broke through at Wellington. He had a big influence on me.
15. Christian Cullen – Completes the all-Wellington back three. His attacking abilities could win you a game out of nowhere. Sensational player.