1. Marcos Ayerza – He was the hardest prop I ever faced as a young player and every tighthead I speak to says the same. Great career at Leicester and with Argentina.
2. Olivier Azam – The Frenchman was hard as nails and a great mentor to all the youngsters at Gloucester. I’m not surprised he went into coaching after retiring.
3. Dan Cole – I can’t pick myself so I’ll go with the England starter and a two-time Lion. He’s been around for so long but he’s still only 29. I’ve got to give the shirt to him really.
4. Jim Hamilton – Maybe more for his leadership qualities and banter off the field. A great player in his own right but he was the glue that held us together at Gloucester.
5. John Hennessy – I played with him at Matson RFC when we were kids. He captained the first team at only 17 and he still does ten years on.
6. Ross Moriarty – He’s a Lion now and you could see his potential even when he was in the academy. His workmate, aggression and all-round competitiveness make him a Test animal.
7. Akapusi Qera – I played with him at Gloucester when he was in his prime. He’s still playing in Montpellier but Gloucester were lucky to have him.
8. Taulupe Faletau – Easy choice really after playing with him at the Dragons last season and at Bath this year. He can do things other No.8s can’t. He’s strong, mobile and fast.
9. Kahn Fotuali’i – Like another forward and one of the toughest scrum-halves around. If the forwards don’t front up he’ll smash someone himself and turn them over.
10. George Ford – I’ve got to pick him. He’s the current England starting fly-half. He’s a great player and attacks the line really well.
11. James Simpson-Daniel – A Gloucester legend and one of the best players they’ve ever produced. Crazy feet and pace to score some unbelievable tries.
12. Manu Tuilagi – I know he’s struggling with injuries but when he’s fit he’s just unplayable. Can make something out of nothing whether by going around, or through, you.
13. Henry Trinder – Also had injury troubles but he’s back now and enjoying a good run of games. I’ll stick him in to keep his good luck going.
14. Semesa Rokoduguni – He’s a freak on the pitch, it’s as simple as that. That try against Stade Francais last week was outrageous. He got the ball standing still yet his opposite man didn’t lay a finger on him.
15. Anthony Watson – He’s got the speed and step to score from anywhere on the pitch. Really deserves to go on the Lions tour and has to be in my team.
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