Dream Team: Ciaran Hearn – Canada and London Irish centre

1. Cian Healy – I played against him twice. The first time was with Agen against Leinster and then at the World Cup with Canada. Pretty mobile for a big man and very good around the park.
2. Rory Best – Another Irishman and another super tough front rower. Always tends to cause havoc at the breakdown.
3. Davit Zirakashvili – He’s one of those guys the French love. The Top14 is a tough league but he always manages to hold down the Clermont scrum and he’s been doing it for years now.
4. Paul O’Connell – His leadership qualities are enough to pick him to be honest. A sensational career for Munster, Ireland and the Lions.
5. Richie Gray – I played against him a couple of summers ago and he’s a fine lineout option. You need his skills to make sure you get a clean ball.
6. Samu Manoa – A nightmare to play against. He’s so big and physical that every time you have the ball you worry for your ribs.
7. Thierry Dusautoir – He’s been the stand-out openside for Toulouse, France and pretty much world rugby. One of those who gets heaps of turnovers week-in and week-out.
8. Jamie Heaslip – A great runner who’s good with the ball in hand and gets around the park a lot whether that’s in attack or defence.
9. Niko Matawalu – Like lightning in a box. Very electric and you’re always worried about what he’s going to do next. Guarding the breakdown well is a must against this guy.
10. Ronan O’Gara – My first Test cap was against him unfortunately. I was playing on the wing and it turned out to be the hardest game I’ve played in trying to field his pin-point kicks.
11. Drew Mitchell – We played the Aussies Barbarians before the 2011 World Cup and he was there. His counter-attacking abilities alone set him apart.
12. Wesley Fofana – I played against him at the World Cup and he’s one of the best centres around. His quick feet and pace make him a huge threat in attack.
13. Brian O’Driscoll – A legend of the game and any Dream Team should have him in there. Outstanding centre for well over a decade.
14. Nemani Nadolo – If you can field a 130kg winger he’s always going to be an asset. Played against him at the Pacific Nations Cup and he’s a tough man to bring down once he gets going.
15. Sean Maitland – I played with and against him and the former was better. A class full-back who’s got pace to burn. He looks like he’s not trying but you still can’t catch him.