Dream Team – George Hammond

George Hammond, the Harlequins lock, chooses the best XV he has played with or against…

1. Joe Marler – Has been doing it for years and is one of the best scrummagers around, so hard not to pick him. Also makes people giggle from time to time.

2. Peato Mauvaka – One of my favourites players to watch because of the flair that he brings. Saw what he can do at close quarters when we played Toulouse a few weeks ago

3. Will Collier – Would lock down the other side of the scrum. It’s great that what we have all known at Quins for years is now being recognised by the press coverage he’s getting; it’s been long overdue.

4. Eben Etzebeth – Another player I loved watching when I was younger. Still banging blokes about now.

5. Matt Symonds – It’s probably fair to say he was my mentor before I broke through into the first team. Taught me lots of things that can’t be coached because of his experiences in the game. His work-rate is the best I have ever seen.

6. Courtney Lawes – One of England’s finest internationals and another I really enjoyed watching play. Still has massive, game-changing moments and would be a good lineout option for this team.

7. Will Evans – Best over the ball that I have ever seen. It’s such a good feeling when you see him enter a breakdown because you just know he is going to win a turnover. Has really worked hard on his carrying, too, and we’re seeing the rewards of that hard work in his game now.

8. Alex Dombrandt – I’ve gone with a lot of big blokes so I thought I’d balance the pack out by having someone with all the skills. Gives every-erything for the team.

9. Danny Care – Makes plays out of nothing and is one of the best blokes in rugby I have ever met. Brings plenty of leadership and experience, obviously. 

10. Marcus Smith – Who am I to break up the club half-back partnership that works so well? Another who carries a threat whenever he has his hands on the ball, and has the ability to create something out of nothing. 

11. Cadan Murley – Superb in the air,  Ibitoye has a very good defence and scores tries for fun. What more could you want from your winger? Having said that, Makazole Mapimpi can count himself very unlucky not to get in.

12. Andrew Esterhuizen – An easy choice. Offers a triple threat as he can carry, kick, run/ pass. Takes people’s heads off in defence.

13. Semi Radradra – For a couple of years he was the Premiership’s best player. With his offloading game and running lines, he’d work well with Andre in midfield.

14. Gabriel Ibitoye – Scores brilliant tries and is so powerful. Like Cadan, surely it is only a matter of time before he gets capped.

15. Damian Willemse – A 50/50 call with Tyrone Green, whose quality I get to see week in, week out. When we played the Stormers he was the best player I have seen. So good, so skilful and gets the nod because he can also kick for the posts.