Paul Hill, the Northampton Saints, England and former Leeds prop, chooses the best XV he has played with or against
1. Ethan Waller – ‘Beef ' is here mainly for his ability to organise a social. A key foundation of the Northampton Saints team.
2. Sam Matavesi – A very good, versatile ball player who can cover blindside as well as hooker if there is an injury in the back row. His arrows are a bit shaky but we won't worry too much about that.
3. Ngalu Tau – I grew up in Doncaster and used to go down to the Knights and watch him. Had a 30-inch neck and could lock down a scrum so I want him in the team. Played at a World Cup for Tonga, too.
4. Victor Matfield – Big Vic only had a short stay at the Saints but made a big impact. He had the simplest lineout call ever – straight up at the front or him backing up – so it was an easy lineout system to learn under him.
5. Lewis Bean – An average player but great on the sauce, so with the socials Beef would organise, he has to be in there. Was with me at Saints but he's up at Glasgow now. A big, big man who is good on the tight-head side.
6. Courtney Lawes – First name on the team sheet. An absolute operator who gives you height in the lineout and does plenty around the field with and without the ball. Takes up a big chunk of the salary cap so we've had to dig deep later on.
7.Lewis Ludlam – Dogged leader who is good over the ball and flies around the field. Superb work rate. It is great to see him being rewarded with England caps.
8. James Chisholm – Played with him for England U20s. Another terrific ball carrier who is good on a night out as well. Selecting him gives me another mate to hang out with. Having been at Quins for years, he knows the best places to go in the Big Smoke.
9. Cobus Reinach – Fastest man on the planet who would be equally at home on the wing. Always gets you an intercept. Springbok international.
10. Dan Carter – Played against him when he was at Racing 92 and I spent the whole game trying to tackle him just so I could say I once melted Dan Carter. I don't think I laid a finger on him, though. An absolute legend of the game who was just different class.
11. Nemani Nadolo – Hardest man to tackle, ever. We first came up against him when he was playing in France and he brushed off about six of our players. Brilliant ball carrier and a really nice guy as well.
12. Fraser Dingwall – Can read the game really well and is an awesome defender. Puts in some big shots and gives some ballast to the back line.
13. Nick Tompkins – Played with him with England U20s. Is as mad as a box of frogs but I like his weirdness. He is one hell of a rugby player. Cuts some amazing lines.
14. Jamie Elliott – Earnt his stripes at Saints but is now at Bedford. Short in stature but very good under the high ball. I was housemates with him for a few years and he's a really handy guitar player, too.
15. Paul Hill – I'd imagine the salary cap has run out now so I thought I'd play myself for free at fullback because I'd love to play in this team and the tight-head spot is already taken. I can take a high ball but everything else I am pretty dreadful at so I'd need protecting!
