1. Robin Hislop – ‘Bomber’ has a solid set piece and a great work rate in the loose. He wears his heart on his sleeves and is a great guy to have in your team.
2. Charlie Maddison – ‘Barney’s brother’ is dynamic with good skills. I play with him at Titans and reckon he’s been the best hooker in the Championship this year.
3. Ben Franks – Winning two World Cups while representing the All Blacks 47 times says it all about the London Irish tighthead. Great career.
4. Barney Maddison – He’s been a stand-out player in the Championship for a long time and deserves more recognition for it.
5. Ian Evans – A massive presence on the field and another who had a great career with 33 Wales caps. He was very unlucky not to get capped by the Lions in 2013.
6. Ryan Burrows – The Carnegie captain is quick and runs good lines. Every team needs front foot ball and he gives you that. It was nice to play with him in the Championship XV against Canada a few years back.
7. Jack Lam – Tom Calladine won’t be happy about this but, as similar as they are, Lam is just bigger, faster and stronger.
8. Louis Picamoles – He made his Northampton debut against us in pre-season last summer and I don’t think he had to go to ground once. His offloading game was just incredible.
9. Dwayne Peel – At his peak, he was one of the best scrum-haves in the world. He doesn’t need the coaches to tell him what to do. He makes the decisions on the field and it’s usually the right ones.
10. Jimmy Gopperth – I made my Cross Keys debut in the B&I Cup agains Newcastle. His current form with Wasps is outstanding regardless of the positions he’s playing in. You just need him on the pitch really.
11. David Lemi – Rapid, good feet and very strong. He’s the full package really and very experienced.
12. Gavin Henson – He just had so much time on the ball when we played Bristol last year. With hime running their attack made, it made defending really hard for me.
13. Greg King – He took me under his wing at Moseley and I’ve learnt a lot. He puts his body on the line every week but he should pass more!
14. Jack Hayes – He’s usually a centre but he’s been playing on the wing this season and he’s done great. A close friend of mine who is physical, skilful and always has his nose in front.
15. Anthony Carter – ‘Shaggy’ is a really safe full-back at Moseley. He never stops talking even if it’s a running commentary of he’s own play. Honourable mention to Will Goodwin who breaks the line at will.