Dream Team – Andy Booth
CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 16: Former players Jeremy Guscott (L) of England and Jonathan Davies of Wales look on prior to the RBS Six Nations match between Wales and England at Millennium Stadium on March 16, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
For this week’s Dream Team Andy Booth, the former Neath, Swansea, Cardiff, Cambridge University, and Wales B scrum half, chooses the best XV he has played with or against…
1. Brian Williams – As a 17-year-old, I rocked up for my first training session and at first, because he was so quick and slight, I thought Brian was a winger. But he had that farmer strength which made him so effective in the front row. Neath legend.
2. Garin Jenkins – I roomed with Gavin too often for my own comfort! But saying that, I absolutely loved his company and he was tough as old boots.
3. Dai Young – Dad was an all-round athlete. I came up against him when I played for Cambridge University against Cardiff. It’s safe to say I was given a nice welcome!
4. Bob Norster – Bob was captain of Cardiff when I first joined the club. He was a great player, had the best hair in the squad and was a complete gentleman.
5. Andy Moore – Andy was another great athlete in the boiler room. He was really unlucky when it came to injuries and would have certainly achieved even more without them.
6. Mike Budd – One of those unlucky players never to be capped by Wales. He was quick and strong and had that physical edge but was immensely skilful.
7. Finlay Calder – I played alongside him for the Scottish invitational side, Scottish Co-Optimists. Captain of the Lions in ’89 and a great leader but also humble and truly great company post-game.
8. Stuart Davies – Stuart was a big, strong and very intelligent rugby player. The fact he’s my brother-in-law means I have to find room for him somewhere, so that’s why he edges Hemi Taylor!
9. Andy Moore – Andy beats the likes of Nick Farr-Jones and Joost van Der Westhuizen to get into this side, which says a lot! Had a great left-foot box kick, and is another great mate who I have remained close with.
10. Jonathan Davies – No words needed for Jiffy! As competitive as they come. He was super quick,super talented and another of my best mates. It’s no surprise to see him picked by almost all Welshmen of his generation as the best player they ever played with.
11. Tony Underwood – Another great bloke. He had lightning pace but he was also such a beautifully balanced runner which made him such a dangerous player ball in hand.
12. Mark Ring – He was just a pure, natural talent. As you can imagine, he was just a dream to learn from. It was a pleasure to train and play alongside him.
13. Scott Gibbs – Another that needs no introduction. Ver quick, skilful, and extraordinarily strong. Used to dominate players with his physical presence and was not afraid to tell players what he was about to do to them.
14. Stu Wilson – Played with him for Scottish Co-Optimists. Extremely skilful and strong and had the skills of a full-back. New Zealand rugby legend.
15. Mike Rayer – The best all-round footballer that I have played with. His rugby brain was huge and his dummy legendary. He regularly came in from 15 to point out where the attacking opportunities were, which is why he has done so well as a coach at Bedford. One of my best mates and brilliant on an all-dayer.
