DREAM TEAM

MATT WILLIAMS, THE WORCESTER AND FORMER NORTHAMPTON HOOKER, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE’S PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST...

1. Marcos Ayerza – There’s definitely a ‘before and after Ayerza’ when it comes to how props scrummage. He’s a beast at loosehead and he was the cornerstone for Leicester and Argentina for years.

2. Dylan Hartley – An easy choice really. He’s a hard rugby player but he’s most importantly a great leader and captain.

3. Dan Cole – Salesi Mafu deserves a shout here because of how he’s looked after me at Saints. But Dan is a great prop who’s so effective at the breakdown as well as the scrum. 4. Courtney Lawes – His current form for the Lions speak for itself. He’s a big game player and those big hits are just crazy.

5. Victor Matfield – So respected, yet so humble. He’s a legend of the game but he doesn’t expect anyone to treat him any different. It was amazing to see him every day at Northampton.

6. Chris Masoe – I won’t forget the time Stephen Myler decided to pass me a short ball rather than go wide for an easy twoon-one. Chris put his shoulder into me and I couldn’t breathe for a while!

7. George Smith – What a player he was for Wasps. He disappeared for a few years but he was immense at Wasps. Another true legend of the game.

8. Samu Manoa – Played a key role in Saints winning the Premiership in 2014. He could play anywhere. Incredible player.

9. Francois Hougaard – Very close call between him and Kahn Fotuai’i. Both are great players with Kahn being so strong at the breakdown and Francois for the energy he brings at Worcester.

10. Dan Carter – Another one from that Racing game in the Champions Cup. He is a great player and it was incredible to play against him.

11. Joe Rokocoko – I couldn’t believe I was playing against this legend. I grew up admiring him for so many years playing for the All Blacks so it was amazing to face him.

12. Owen Farrell – He’s such a competitor and you always need guys like that in your team. He’s obviously a great all-round player but for me it’s his character that sets him apart.

13. Jonathan Joseph – He’s such an awkward guy to defend against because he’s got all the tricks. He can carry, pass or kick at full-speed and that’s very hard to prepare for.

14. Anthony Watson – I played with George North but I just love the way Anthony moves. He’s still very young, so I expect him to be even better in years to come.

15. Mike Brown – Like Owen, he’s such a fierce competitor and I like that trait in people. He’ll play until the last whistle regardless of the scoreline and I’d have him in my team any day.