DREAM TEAM

Tom Savage, the Moana Pasifika and former Gloucester and Suntory Sungoliath second row, chooses the best XV he’s played with…

1. Val Rapava-Ruskin – Big Val is a human iceberg of a man. Immovable over the ball and at scrum time, with some crazy skills to match when he does have ball in hand. The all-round package!

2. Richard Hibbard – I absolutely loved playing with Hibbs. He was always good for a sappa-chino and you could rely on him to set the tone physicality-wise every week in training and in matches.

3. John Afoa – The away trip specialist, who was awesome for Gloucester for his four seasons there! Had better skills than most backs and to play over 500 professional games is an unbelievable achievement. Not many get to do that.

4. Franco Mostert – Learnt a lot from Franco during my time at Gloucester with him. Double World Cup winner, whose work rate and lineout knowledge is world class.

5. Harry Hockings – Standing at 6ft 10in, he’s easy to spot in a crowd! He’s been playing some great rugby for Suntory the last few years and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing international rugby shortly.

6. Ross Moriarty – Burst onto the scene as a youngster at Gloucester as an England U20 international who went on to be capped over 50 times for Wales. A no-non-nsense type of player who loves getting stuck in both sides of the ball.

7. Jake Polledri – Had to take the long route to professional rugby, but it was worth the wait! I’ve never seen someone bounce tacklers so effortlessly. It’s such a shame injury meant he had to retire at 28 years of age.

8. Lotu Inisi – Has just come off the back of an awesome season for Moana Pasifika. Destructive ball carrier with a huge engine. Personally I am excited to see what’s to come next from the big man.

9. Willi Heinz – Steered the ship so well for Gloucester during his 5-6 seasons there. Great to see him rewarded at international level with England.

10. Aaron Cruden – His all-round game is world class. He always seems to pick the right option and is brave as you like for a small man, too!

11. Tevita Li – Every defender’s worst nightmare, ‘T’ can go round you or over you! One of those you give the ball to and he makes things happen. A game-breaker.

12. Billy Twelvetrees – Ultimate pro and competitor who has recently announced his retirement after a top career. Stepped up and slotted match-winners on so many occasions for Gloucester. Won 22 caps for England.

13. Samu Kerevi – Built like a No.8 but as fast as winger. Special player who’s been at the top of his game for such a long time, and at the highest level. Was fortunate to play with him at Suntory.

14. James Simpson-Daniel – Just give him the ball and he’ll make something happen. Was a joy to play with (and watch), as I was normally 50 metres behind him.

15. Beauden Barrett – Another who I was lucky to play a season in Japan with him. Has all the skills, speed and desire to improve that’s kept him at the highest level for such a long time. He doesn’t look like he’s slowing down any time soon either.