DREAMTEAM

GUY ARMITAGE, EALING AND FORMER LONDON IRISH, LONDON WELSH AND WASPS CENTRE, CHOOSES HIS BEST XV PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST

1. Mako Vunipola –

Played with him at the 2011 Junior World Cup and against him after that. Solid in the scrum and always dangerous in the loose. Great hands to keep you on your toes.

2. Ashley Johnson –

Always in a great mood off the pitch but you could see when he was ready on it. He hits hard and carries harder. Powerful runner, really good bloke and great hair!

3. Halani Aulika –

I’ve never seen a prop so hungry for tries. He was our leading try-scorer in double figures the year we played together at London Irish. It was a real joy to watch.

4. Joe Launchbury –

Absolute work horse who does the majority of the unseen stuff any team needs to perform at the top level. Always led by example during my time at Wasps.

5. Eben Etzebeth –

Hard case who you saw before you heard coming. Giant of a man who took some stopping.

6. Siya Kolisi –

Another Springbok I played against during that 2011 Junior World Cup. An allround great player on the pitch with relentless work-rate until that final whistle went.

7. Steffon Armitage –

Happy-go-lucky off the pitch but if you ever needed a turnover at the breakdown, he’s your man. England’s loss.

8. Chris Hala’ufia –

The most powerful man I’ve ever seen. Sadly, he would hit people legally so hard that he’d be the one penalised for it. Absolute pleasure to play with

though! 9. Paul Hodgson –

Great defensive leader who was constantly barking his orders. I’ve never seen anyone throw their body into so many corner-flagging, try-saving tackles.

10. Danny Cipriani –

He’s learnt every trick in the book now and has the magnificent skill-set needed to pull them off under pressure. If there’s space he’ll find it for you.

11. Christian Wade –

The most relaxed man in world rugby but give him the ball and just watch him go. Always beat defenders and it would most likely result in a try.

12. Bevon Armitage –

Known him my whole life! It took until his last professional game for us to play each other. Hits like a train, great defender and constantly shouting.

13. Jonathan Joseph –

Started at Irish together aged 14. Great feet with speed to finish any opportunity and complete understanding of his position defensively.

14. Sailosi Tagicakibau –

A menace to all defences on his day. He’d stand you up, run around you or usually over you. Kept opponents guessing with his devastating runs.

15. Delon Armitage –

Completely reliable under a high ball and if he saw space to counterattack he’d take it. Always puts his body on the line as the last line of defence.