DREAM TEAM

HENRY THOMAS, THE MONTPELLIER AND FORMER ENGLAND, BATH & SALE PROP, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST…

1. Andrew Sheridan – Absolute monster of a man who would run through brick walls and single-handedly dominate scrums. Special mention to Nathan Catt, who was underrated but tenacious all around the park.

2. Guilhem Guirado – AFrench legend. Even in his last year of his career he was running about like a 20-yearold smashing everyone.

3. Karena Wihongi – Aman-mountain of a tighthead who was great on and off the pitch at Sale. Special mention to Vadim Cobilas who is still killing it for Bordeaux at 39. Can lock down any scrum and has silky skills as well.

4. Elliott Stooke – Not only a top operator in a lineout and in the wide channels but a great bloke in the changing room and the first guy on the team sheet for a fun night out.

5. Paul Willemse – Atighthead's dream to have behind them in a scrum. One of the biggest hitters in the midfield in the Top 14 and an overall massive bloke who you definitely want on your team. Dave Attwood is the Premiership version of Paul.

6. Taulupe Faletau – One of the most talented rugby players I've ever played with or against. I'm not sure there is anything he can't do. On his day would get in any team in the world at 6 or 8.

7. Francois Louw – One of the best 7's in the world. Unbelievable jackaler. His ability to read the game and his leadership made him indispensable to Bath and South Africa. Also loved a beer! Sam Underhill has no regard for his body and is the best tackler I've played with.

8. Sisa Koyamaibole – An explosive unit who'd shrug off defendersfor fun. Smashed it forSale and was one of the bestplayers in Top 14 at Brive. ZachMercer had a special year forMontpellier last season.

9. Cobus Reinach – Afreakofa specimen and as quick as anyone I've ever played with. Manipulates defenders unbelievably well, is dead-eye with his box kicks and loves an intercept! 10. Charlie Hodgson – The best passer of the ball I've played with – I've never had as many line breaks as I did playing with him (not many) – and had the ball on a piece of string off the boot. Edges out GeorgeFord,RhysPriestlandandOwenFarrell.

11.Semesa Rokoduguni – Amatchwinner made of concrete. Can beat you for pace, step you, or go straight through you. Genuinely scary to play against. If we were in trouble, the plan was to just give the ball to Roko!

12. Sammy Tuitupou – One of the hardest guys I've played with who'd cut some of thebestballcarriersin

13. Jonathan Joseph – Elusive runner with a nasty goose-step/ hitch-kick, and one of the best defenders in the world at 13. Will Addison would be my back-up choice.

14. Mark Cueto – Elite finisher, was the Premiership's top try-scorer for quite some time and would have scored many more if he hadn't played so much for England. Ben Cohen just misses out.

15. Anthony Bouthier – Consistently Montpellier's best player. Safe under a high ball, has a mean spiral and is an elusive runner. Could easily be in France's World Cup squad. Anthony Watson runs him close with his electric pace and ability to beat players.