O’Driscoll and Mauger a devastating pairing

DREAMTEAM

ALEX GROVE, THE FORMER SCOTLAND, WORCESTER WARRIORS, EDINBURGH, BIRMINGHAM MOSELEY AND COVENTRY CENTRE, SELECTS THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST…

1. Tim Day – This is my one slightly tongue-in-cheek selection! I interpreted the word ‘best’ a little differently for Norwich RFC stalwart, Tim. He’s got a big diesel engine and I most recently played alongside him in an old boys’ game at Rugby School. He’s about 56 now but still turns out whenever he’s called upon.

2. Edd Shervington – I played with Edd at Worcester and he was a really mobile hooker. He’d previously been at the Ospreys and finished his career at London Welsh. I suspect if he’d stayed in Wales longer, he might have earned international recognition. He was an excellent team-mate, a very good friend and a terrific player for Worcester.

3. Tevita Taumoepeau – Tevita was an outstanding scrummager and almost impossible to move when he got himself set. I once saw him make a line break and he looked slightly panicked to find himself in open space! He was definitely happiest in the scrum and probably helped keep Worcester up for another season through his set-piece ability.

4. Courtney Lawes – Courtney doesn’t need much explanation. He’s quite terrifying when you’re standing opposite him, particularly with the ball in his hands. His trademark chop tackles were perfectly timed and could intimidate fly-halves. The fact he’s still performing at such a high level after all these years is testament to his professionalism and how well he looks after himself.

5. Dean Schofield – Dean probably wasn’t quite as professional as Courtney, but he offered plenty in other areas! He’d won the Premiership with Sale and represented England before arriving at Worcester towards the end of his career. He’s one of rugby’s great characters, an absolutely hilarious bloke, and we had a lot of fun together.

6. George Smith – I was fortunate enough to play against George when Scotland faced Australia. I’ve squeezed him in at blindside, although he could play anywhere across the back row. He was from a slightly more old-school era but was an incredibly difficult opponent. He was just a wonderfully complete rugby player, whatever number he wore.

7. Ross Rennie – Ross is a good friend and was a really silky openside for Edinburgh and Bristol. He wasn’t necessarily someone who grabbed all the headlines, but he was an intelligent player and a brilliant link between forwards and backs. He understood the game exceptionally well. Injuries and niggles probably shortened his career, which was a real shame.

8. Sergio Parisse – When we played Stade Francais in the European Cup, I remember being on the end of some huge tackles. He’s a silky player who could also win physical confrontations, with

9. Mike Blair – Mike had an excellent rugby brain and saw the game slightly differently from other scrum-halves. He understood how to manipulate defences and was always thinking a step ahead for Edinburgh. I’m excited to see how New Zealand‘s attack develops with him involved in the coaching setup.

10. Owen Farrell – I played against Owen when I was at Worcester and he was at Saracens, and I don’t think we ever came out on the right side of those score lines! He’s an unbelievably competitive player who operates at the very highest level in every aspect of the game. He’s probably the best competitor I’ve come across.

11. Rico Gear – Rico came to Worcester from New Zealand towards the end of his career. Injuries meant we didn’t see as much of him as we’d have liked, but there were glimpses of extraordinary quality. He could do things in training and matches that most players simply couldn’t. It would have been lovely to see more of him.

In the groove: Alex Grove playing for Worcester

PICTURES: Getty Images

12. Aaron Mauger – Aaron was at Leicester when I was breaking into the Worcester first team. As a young centre, he was one of the players I really looked up to. He was coming towards the end of his career, but his understanding of the game and ability were exceptional. It was a privilege to play against him.

13. Brian O’Driscoll – I always admired him while breaking into senior rugby, and I thought it was important to get him alongside Aaron Mauger in a devastating centre partnership. He was the best in the business and it was a real pleasure to go up against him in the European Cup and Pro12.

14. Chris Pennell – A good friend and Mr Worcester in many respects. He produced crucial performances for the club at important moments. Most of his career was spent at full-back, but I’ve squeezed him onto the wing. He was absolutely solid, incredibly dependable and someone you could always trust.

15. Chris Latham – He arrived at Worcester towards the end of his career with nothing left to prove after all he’d achieved with Australia. Brilliant with the younger players and became as much a mentor as a team-mate. He gave everyone his time, did the basics exceptionally well and led by example.