Dream Team

JAMES GASKELL, THE FORMER WASPS AND SALE SHARKS LOOSE FORWARD, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST

1. Andrew Sheridan – ‘Big Ted’ is a real physical freak who smashed all sorts of lifting records, as well as opposition defences with his immense ball-carrying. Only knew one way – forward. Pretty decent on the guitar too!

2. Tommy Taylor – Had the pleasure of playing with him at Sale and Wasps. A great player in the tight and the loose. You won’t find many much grittier players.

3. Vadim Cobilas – Unbelievably skilful for a tighthead. I doubt few other Dream Teams have a Moldovan in their ranks!

4. Joe Launchbury – Great leader, great rugby player, great bloke. He’s not one to bawl and shout but when he does speak, everyone listens because he commands so much respect. Have taken so much from playing alongside him. 5. Dean Schofield – Would be a good foil for Launchers. He looked after me from day one at Sale and I’ve got huge respect for the big man. Knows how to enjoy himself.

6. Juan Fernandez Lobbe – We had some quality overseas players at Sale but few to match Juan, who’s a man you’d follow in any situation. Had a serious work ethic and drove others to raise their standards.

7. George Smith – One of the GOATs. Brilliant to have in your team with the work he got through at the breakdown and as a link player.

8. Andy Powell – Could single-handedly win a game. Such a talisman with his strong ball carries and big hits. Had many a story to keep the lads entertained as I’m sure you can imagine.

9. Dan Robson – He’s just very good at rugby, it’s as simple as that. Has the pass, the break, the acceleration, the game understanding. Should have had a lot more England caps by my reckoning.

10. Charlie Hodgson – Would love to see him outside of Dan. One of the alltime Sale greats and a great role model for me when I was first starting out with his professionalism on and off the pitch.

11. Christian Wade – Feet like no other and scorer of some outrageous tries. The Premiership would be all the more entertaining for him being back in the competition if he does decide to return to rugby in England.

12. Jimmy Gopperth – He’s 38 years of age yet is still producing it on the pitch and earning new contracts. A top, top bloke too. Leicester have got a good one.

13. Malakai Fekitoa – I’m just glad he was on the same team as me! When the eyes went you knew someone was in trouble. Ferocious in attack and defence.

14. Willie Le Roux – Classy runner who could find a hole in any defence with his pace and footwork.

15. Charles Piutau – Spent a brief period with him at Wasps and was just in awe of his skills. You never stood a chance against him in open space.