Dream Team: Jordan Crane – Leicester & former Leeds and England No.8

1. Marcos Ayerza – Pretty easy pick really. The best scrummaging loosehead in the world at the minute but also a very good work rate around the park.
2. Tom Youngs – He's got to be in anyone's team I think just because of his work rate and character. Brings huge physicality to the game no matter what.
3. Julian White – Everyone needs a nasty scrummager who's happy not to touch the ball all game and Julian would that guy. One of the best tighthead when it comes to scrummaging.
4. Richard Blaze – Massive potential but had his career cut short with injury. He should be playing for England now – physical with skills to go with it.
5. Ben Kay – His rugby record speaks for itself but in terms of calling the lineout there's no-one better than him. Pretty good around the park too.
6. Rocky Elsom – We played Leinster in the 2009 Heineken Cup final and he was just head and shoulders above everyone. It was unbelievable to see a Southern Hemisphere player turn up and tear it up instantly like he did.
7. George Smith – I played against him with England and I've never been hit harder by anyone else. He'd just had five-month out with injury but you couldn't tell by the way he played. A born openside who was outstanding on the floor.
8. Martin Corry – I remember rocking up at Leicester as a 20-year-old and watching him play. I just thought that was the sort of benchmark I had to aspire to. He was a good mentor for me developing.
9. Justin Marshall – We played together the year Leeds got relegated but you could tell the guy was just class. We were losing every week but he constantly was the standout player.
10. Jonny Wilkinson – I played with and against him but the game that sticks out  is the 2013 Heineken Cup quarter-final. He kicked everything from everywhere. He was the fine margin between winning and losing.
11. Bryan Habana – As far as speed and try-scoring ability they don't come any better.
12. Shane Geraghty – My old schoolmate was tearing it up when he went to Northampton. He went off the radar a bit in recent years but he's a great player to have as a second distributor. He has the qualities to challenge for England again soon.
13. Manu Tuilagi – We need to get over the gainline and Manu is one of the world's best. We've missed him massively this season.
14. Alesana Tuilagi – His power would complement Bryan's speed well. At his peak at Leicester he was impossible to stop. Even Manu wouldn't mess with him.
15. Geordan Murphy – There's only one pick really. The most skilful player I've ever played with. Been retired for two years now but still the best when he gets involved in a game of touch in training.