DREAM TEAM

NATHAN WILLIAMS, THE FORMER SCARLETS, CARMARTHEN QUINS, MOSELEY, DRAGONS & WALES U21 PROP, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST…

1. Gethin Jenkins – Top-class loosehead who had the open play ability of a back row. Would split the game time with Wyn Jones, who showed his class whenever Quins played Drovers. Went on to operate at the top end of the game.

2. Steve Jones – ‘Jabba’ is a shoo-in for his attitude and ability. Great skills and tenacious when needed. Had the ability to tie an opponent’s boot laces together in a ruck, and chuckle to himself on his way. Dragons legend and all round great lad. Moseley stalwart Adam Caves is a close second; he loved a lager as much as me.

3. Carl Hayman – Absolute unit. Locked horns during his spell at Newcastle when he handed me my ass at scrum time and surprisingly got through a mountain of work around the park. Adam ‘Bomb’ Jones is a close second.

4. Alun Wyn Jones – His career speaks volumes but my respect for his work ethic and no-nonsense attitude is up there with the best. Luke Charteris was another great lock with one hell of an engine and giraffe like height comes in handy lineout time. Paul Arnold’s inability to ruck counted against him.

5. Rob Sidoli – Lineout scientist who loved his attention to detail. The Merthyr man has a great work rate but more importantly was an all-round top man. Hands down the fashion icon of the team. Andrew Coombs was a good leader who didn’t take any rubbish.

6. Liam Messam – A beast of a man. Played against him in Dubai at U18s. You knew then he’d make it to the top of the game. Moseley hard man Neil ‘Waggy’ Mason was in with a shout but his hands let him down.

7. Ian Boobyer – I’m not sure I could actually ally have this man in the same team as Mike Phillips because of his wind-up ability. But his pure doggedness in and around contact gets him the nod. Honourable mention to Chevvy Pennycook.

8. Taulupe Faletau – Class, quiet and unassuming and a lovely guy. Loves a beer and would do anything for his team mates. Incredible feet and work rate.

9. Mike Phillips – Like an extra back row. Kept defenders on their toes, had a bullet of a pass and partial to a drop goal from the base of a ruck.

10. Carlos Spencer – A magician. I loved watching him play but playing against him was a different kettle of fish. Matthew ‘Rat’ Jones was close to getting the nod purely down to his boxer-like cockiness. Deliberately scored a try out wide the FIRA World Cup so he could take a touchline conversion and nail it, which he did.

11. Joe Rokocoko – Faced this freak in an U18s international at the Gnoll. He carved us up and did the same to most opposition teams for the rest of his career. Always played with a smile on his face and his tongue out. Equally, I could have picked Shane Williams, who scored tries for fun and is a great guy.

12. Leigh ‘Clive’ Davies – Scarlets captain when I was fresh to senior rugby. Hell of a man, great storyteller and had the ability to turn it on for the big games. Junior Fatialofa was also a great centre.

13. MJ Watkins – Signed for the Scarlets from Newport when I was an apprentice. Fast-twitched feet that would beat a pig in a passage way. Lovely bloke who is sorely missed. Henry Trinder would otherwise be my pick.

14. Jonny May – Absolute space cadet. Rocked up at Moseley on loan from Gloucester in a Smart Car thinking he was chocolate. Christ, did he know his way to the try line. Liam Williams, a tough cookie at the back with a very high skill set and eye for counter attack, is equally deserving of a place.

15. Lee Byrne – The bomb diffuser. Signed for the Scarlets from Bridgend Athletic (I think) and had put the extras in before arriving. Smashed all the pros off the park in pre-season fitness and had fitness and had a huge left boot on him.

Isa Nacewa was great value for Leinster back in the day.