Dream Team with Peter Walton

Peter Walton, the former Scotland, Newcastle & Northampton flanker, picks the best XV he’s played with or against

1. Nick Popplewell – Apart from his scrummaging ability, he was very skilful and creative in his play. Scored many a try for the Falcons in our League-winning team of 1997. Good craic off the pitch.

2. Ross Nesdale – Ahead of the game with his throwing and set piece work. Tough Kiwi/Irishman who always got the best out of himself.

3. Gary Pearce –Was someone I really looked up to as a youngster at Northampton and he looked after me well. A really good tight-head.

4. Martin Bayfield – The big policeman who you wanted on your side. Great fun on the bus after away matches, with his singing and drinking games.

5. Doddie Weir – Abig mate, not the easiest to lift in the lineout but his movement and skills made him a special player. We’re both from farming stock so had very similar outlooks on life. I miss him but have lots of great memories from many great tours and matches together.

6. Tim Rodber – Abig man to have around. He tackled hard, in fact I saw a few stars on my first return to Franklin’s Gardens – thanks Cramby (Richard Cramb) for the inside pass) – but I didn’t give him the satisfaction to know I was hurt. A strong, physical player who was a good friend at the Saints.

7. Pat Lam – Don’t need to say much as he was a great player to play with and you didn’t mind being the decoy so that he scored. Mind you, I did a lot of his hard yards for him to let him be the star.

8. Buck Shelford – Was lucky to play with my hero. The best forward I ever played with; he could run, kick and pass. I learnt so much.

9. Gary Armstrong – Toughest and best player I have every played with. A great friend and, with Doddie, we had some great trips together. He was like a Jack Russell terrier who would never give up or let you down.

10. Jonny Wilkinson – Well, I had the pleasure of playing with him at the start of his senior career and then went on to be part of a coaching team who worked with him. Simply the best and deserves all the praise and success he has had. It is nice to count a superstar as a friend.

11. Inga Tuigamala – Just a pleasure to be on the same side. Incomparable to any player; he had it all and put of god into the opposition. He also bought lots of meat from my family’s farm!

12. Gregor Townsend – Had flair and ability to do things that few others could. Some came off and some didn’t but that’s the nature of the game for me. Playing with creative players who want to have fun is what it’s all about.

13. John Fletcher – Best mate and Northumberland County and then Northampton teammate before I became his assistant for many years in the coaching world. I do believe if he hadn’t had such a serious injury for Northampton, he would have gone on to be a senior international.

14. Tony Stanger – Played with him from Scottish Schools through to the senior Scotland team. A brilliant, powerful winger who scored some memorable tries. Had lots of laughs together too.

15. Gavin Hastings – My first Scotland captain. He looked after me well and made me feel very at ease within the squad. He was a legend to me and we remain good friends. A very powerful 15 with more to his game than just kicking. He read the game well and was in the right place at the right time.