The Jersey Reds and former Eastern Province, Western Province, Stormers, Southern Kings and Worcester utility back, chooses the best XV he has played with or against
1. Ethan Waller – ‘Beefy' is an absolute legend on and off the pitch which will be a key feature throughout my team. Always looking to add value and some seriously silky skills for a prop. Steven Kitshoff is a close second for obvious reasons.
2. Niall Annett – Synergy is key in the front row and him and ‘Beef ' get on like a house on fire. Not many better throwers of a rugby ball and another with some skills backs would be proud of. Scarra Ntubeni is unlucky to miss out.
3. Oli Kebble – An easy choice. Plays both sides and a mountain of a human. Just so happens to be a close mate and occasional golf partner. He will be a huge asset to this team on and off the field and will ensure bars are kept in business.
4. Jan Uys – Big second row who I was lucky enough to play with on a few occasions at EP/ Kings. Possesses a mean torpedo and offload game not to mention a decent sense of humour. Another who adds massive value in all areas. Highly recommended as a wedding MC.
5. Chris Van Zyl – Top man and top player who will hit a minimum of 30 rucks a game for the Stormers. Incredible leader and just so happens to be a chartered accountant so our books will be in check. I resisted the obvious pick, Eben Etzebeth.
6. David Bulbring – Had to find a space for the big man I played with at Southern Kings/Stormers. Not many fitter loose forwards out there and will ensuree ourlineouts arelocked down. Hits along ball on thegolf courseand will keepthe groupgoing with his terriblechat. Siya Kolisiwould have been the moretraditional flank option.
7. Sammy Lewis – Known as the goat at Worcester and anyone lucky enough to play with him knows how good he is. Ridiculous skill set alongside a crazy work rate. Like having another back on the pitch. Easy choice!
8. Schalk Burger – No explanation needed. Incredibly good player throughout his career and was lucky to share the field a couple of times with the Stormers. Enjoys the occasional beer.
9. Nic Groom – My roomy for my Super Rugby tour with the Stormers. Classy player and a huge asset to any team. Very undervalued by peoplewho have not been in the same team as him. Will keep the ball quick and has a great understanding of the game.
10. Ryan Mills – Just about as skilful a player as I have ever played with. Kicks off both feet and always seems to have time on the ball. Abnormally large hands which make the ball seem undersized and means he has a silly offload game.
11. Bryce Heem – Easy decision. Crazy good player who had pace and power to destroy any defence. Able to create something out of nothing. Another top-class human being.
12. Ashley Beck – Was lucky enough to see his class at Worcester. Became a close mate and an easy pick in this side. His decision making and communication are up there with anyone. It was tough to leave out ‘Doogs' (Damian De Allende).
13. Huw Jones – Could have easily been the faultless Tim Whitehead here. Jonesy is just electric and guarantees a couple of line breaks a game. Both great humans and will lead the charge at the post match gathering.
14. Marcel Brache – We used to sing, “There is only one Marcel Brache”. Ridiculously talented and went from casual Uni rugby to Super Rugby within a year. By leaving out Cheslin Kolbe, it shows how much he was valued.
15. Siviwe Shakes Soyizwapi – Shake and bake was our saying on the pitch. Some of the tries I saw Shakes score were ridiculous. Turned to the 7s game after our younger years and is captaining the SA 7s team now. Speed and feet like few others. Chris Pennell is a close second.
