After two seasons with Harlequins, scrum-half Dave Lewis made the move to National One Rosslyn Park this summer. Here, the Exeter Chief academy product picks a team of the best players he’s played with or against during his 12-year career.
1. Ben Moon
My oldest friend in rugby and a most underrated player. Happy he’s getting plaudits now. Apparently he’s a very good scrummager, but I know he’s pretty awesome round the park too.
2. Olivier Azam
A very combative, big presence in Gloucester’s changing room. He didn’t rinse me on the poker table as a youngster and was quite a good cook.
3. Kyle Sinckler
On his day he’s up there with the best. Again, I’m not sure what happens in the scrum but he’s quick, powerful and has the hands of a basketball player.
4. Dean Mumm
Awesome player and an even better bloke. Sort of guy you’d do anything for so he’d be my captain, as he was so successfully at Chiefs.
5. Damien Welch
Lineout technician and great in the loose, loved watching him gallop around. Came to Exeter as a relative unknown and helped us achieve success.
6. Dave Ewers
Known as ‘Preds’, you just don’t mess with him! Hands the size of my head, so strong, always gets go-forward ball and very good at smashing things.
7. Andy ‘The Squirrel’ Hazell
Before playing with Hazey I’d never met anyone who actually sped up as they went into contact. Fearless and again a top bloke to have in a changing room, although a terrible drinker.
8. Thomas ‘The Tank’ Waldrom
How could you not have the Prem’s top try scorer two years in a row? Knew his way to the try-line and very controlled at the back of the scrum. He’d get on well with Hazey in team socials as both are drinks dodgers!
9. Danny Care
I was lucky enough to train alongside him for the last two years. The guy’s a magician and should still have a future with England.
10. Freddie Burns
One of the most talented players I’ve played with, can win a match on his own. Also cooked a mean pre-game toast and spaghetti hoops!
11. James Simpson Daniel
Rapid, outrageous feet and a really nice bloke with it. Most of Gloucester’s backs moves revolved around getting him the ball as quick as possible.
12. Ryan Mills
Now ‘Mr Worcester‘. Just compare the win record when he’s in the team to when he’s not. Got all the skills and the intelligence to run a game.
13. Mike Tindall
The glue in the back-line. Ran great lines, completed the best 360 degree dummy I’ve ever seen and a true leader. Tough choice between him and Henry Slade.
14. Jack Nowell
I don’t know how he makes the yards he does, but don’t think he’s ever NOT beaten the first defender. He’s a fearless, world class operator.
15. Mike Brown
Tough decision between Browny and Olly Morgan but England’s most capped full-back shades it. Unbelievably brave, ultra-competitive and one of the nicest blokes I’ve met.
