DAVID SISI, THE ITALY, ZEBRE AND FORMER BATH, LONDON IRISH AND ENGLAND U20s BACK ROW, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST
1. Danilo Fischetti –A Zebre and Italy teammate of mine who wears his heart on his sleeve. He loves an offload, is an exciting guy to play with. Not your typical loosehead.
2. David Paice – London Irish legend, who brought huge experience to the team. Was a great guy to have grown up around in my earlier years, teaching me lessons on and off the pitch.
3. Henry Thomas – A big, strong man currently enjoying the lifestyle of France who I played with at Bath. I believe he would have racked up more England caps had he not been plagued by injuries. Has a great set-piece and can whack in contact.
4. Dean Budd – My Rugby World Cup engine room partner. A very smart operator with great skills and an integral part of the team culture.
5. Sam Whitelock – A 100 cap+ All Black, that says all you need to know really. He offers work rate and agility into the second row, and important leadership. It would have been great to pack down alongside him.
6. Chris Hala’ufia – The hardest man I’ve ever played alongside (at London Irish). Possesses terrifying defence, carries like a mad man and brings real go-forward and an edge to any team he plays for.
7. Jake Polledri – Monstrous back rower who stepped up to Test rugby with ease. It’s not often you see guys being rag dolled in the Premiership, but Jake does it regularly. I look forward to his return from injury.
8. Taulupe Faletau – I’d have loved to have picked Lawrence Dallaglio here due to his Italian ancestry and the fact he was an England and Lions great but sadly our paths never crossed on the pitch. Taulupe isn’t a bad replacement, though! He’s an awesome guy, a special ball carrier and has the ability to change a game all on his own.
9. Antoine Dupont – World Player of the Year, and deservedly so. He’s always impressive whenever I play against him, and is one of the standout 9s at the moment. Brings some real class to proceedings.
10. Paulo Garbisi – My Italian teammate. I believe he’s going to be a great of the game. He’s a seriously impressive young 10 who takes everything in his stride and brings huge confidence to those around him.
11. Sailosi Tagicakibau – Such a powerful and dynamic finisher, great to watch when I was coming through at Irish. Produced a highlight reel every weekend when at his best.
12. Tommy Castello – A direct, physical and uncompromising 12 for Zebre and Italy. Unfortunately forced to retire this year due to injury. A truly tough man with the ability to inspire those around him from the way he talked and played.
13. Jonathan Joseph – Recently racked up 150 appearances for Bath, and deservedly so. Defensively one of the best, is quick off the mark and has an elusive outside break. Would complement Tommy really well in my midfield.
14. Jack Nowell – A very busy and industrious player who gets involved in a game at every opportunity and is always a threat either through his elusiveness or strength in contact.
15. Cheslin Kolbe – It’s hard to forget his form at the 2019 World Cup. Returned from injury recently when we played away at Toulon. Blink and you miss him; an electric quick player who can create something from nothing.
(Grab from The Rugby Paper)
