Dream Team: Tom Court – London Irish and former Ireland and Ulster prop
2. John Smit – He was the one who lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in 2007. A huge physical leader for the Boks over the years.
3. Sylvain Marconnet – The ultimate competitor who was one of the last few versatile props. The Frenchman was just as good on the right or the left side of the front-row.
4. Paul O’Connell – My captain for most of my international caps. An inspirational and talismanic leader of Ireland.
5. Victor Matfield – One of the great tacticians of modern forward play. He is 36 now but he’s still going strong and will be very important to the Springboks at the World Cup.
6. Stephen Ferris – At his peak, my old Ulster teammate was one of the most explosive and destructive players ever. Such a shame injuries ended his career so young.
7. Richie McCaw – The All Blacks captain is arguably the greatest ever rugby player. The most capped Test player in history and an iconic All Black.
8. Sergio Parisse – One of the most skilful players to grace the game and a joy to watch. Has carried Italy on his shoulders for well over a decade now.
9. Niko Matawalu – I faced the Fijian scrum-half a few times when he was at Glasgow and all I can say is that he’s an unpredictable live wire. Definitely one to watch at the World Cup.
10. Dan Carter – Dan the Man is known as ‘the perfect fly-half’. He can do it all and he’s quite handy with the boot too: 1,516 points in 106 Tests. No one has done better.
11. Andrew Trimble – Another one I played with at Ulster and in the Ireland shirt. A hugely physical winger with a proven scoring record as well as the red mist.
12. Mathieu Bastareaud – A steamrolling centre who can open up any defence. The France and Toulon star is built like a prop but it suits the game he plays.
13. Brian O’Driscoll – Ok, I might be biased here but BOD could do everything and anything he wanted on the pitch. The most amazing talent I have ever had the chance to witness. A real privilege to have played with him.
14. George North – George is the current version of Jonah Lomu. He has the perfect mix of size, speed and power. Look at what he’s achieved already and think about the fact that he’s only 23!
15. Israel Folau – Everyone is raving about the former Rugby League and Aussie Rules star. But who wouldn’t? The Wallabies full-back has freakish abilities only a very few could dream of.
