DREAM TEAM
PETER ANGLESEA, THE SALE COACH AND FORMER SALE AND ENGLAND ‘A’ BACK ROW, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST...
1. Andrew Sheridan – Phenomenally strong man and good scrummager who destroyed Australia’s pack on his own. Never took a backward step. 2. Sebastien Bruno – Relative unknown when Sale signed him but our scrum took massive steps forward. Loved confrontation, could strike with either foot and a good defender. 3. Jason Leonard – Hugely popular character who won 100-odd caps for England and the Lions. Great team member and socialiser. 4. Martin Johnson – Huge leader who always inspired his own team and put the fear of God into opponents. 5. Ignacio Fernandez
Lobbe – Not the tallest lock but ‘Nacho’ was a proper rugby player who had tremendous skills. Highly durable and a big part of Sale’s 2006 titlewinning side. 6. Lawrence Dallagio – Spent most of my years battling against him. He had an immediate impact as a leader of men. Ensured you were always sore after matches! 7. Neil Back – Should have had far more England caps. At a time when only back rowers really contested for the ball, there was no one better at slowing it down and making turnovers.
8. Scott Quinnell – Great ball-carrier and took three or four men to stop him. Also had lovely soft hands for a big man. 9. Agustin Pichot – Could never take your eyes off this guy at a breakdown because he’d kill you. Only needed a sniff and he’d be away. Tough guy and scrums were a nightmare as well. 10. Jonny Wilkinson – Could knock over forwards and got more plaudits for his defence and kicking, but when you played with him you soon appreciated how good a ball player he was.
11. Mark Cueto – You don’t get 50-odd England caps unless you can play and he had a great eye for the try-line, except in that 2007 World Cup final! Brilliant finisher and so hard to defend. 12. Inga Tuigamala – I made a tackle on him soon after he joined Newcastle and it was like hitting granite! My God, he was a nightmare to defend against from lineouts and set-plays. 13. Will Greenwood – Well known for his great hands and ability to play good rugby, but he was elusive as well and I could never land a decent shot on him. Almost glided at times.
14. Jonah Lomu – I played for The North against NZ Barbarians and seeing him warming up you thought, ‘bloody hell!’. Bigger than any of our forwards but a pleasure to watch. 15. Jason Robinson – Probably the greatest rugby player in both codes. Magician who created space with pace and footwork, but good under the high ball and could tackle as well.