DREAMTEAM

BEN RANSOM, BLACKHEATH AND FORMER LONDON IRISH, SARACENS, BEDFORD AND ENGLAND U20S FULLBACK, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE’S PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST ....

1. Carl Hayman – Played against him in a preseason game against Toulon and he was immense. I’ve no real scrummaging knowledge but he seemed like a big man to hold down in a front row.

2. Schalk Brits – Great bloke and fabulous player. If you could combine the best attributes of a forward and back, Schalk would be it. Best overseas player to play in the Premiership.

3. Mako Vunipola – First played against and with him at U18s level. Great ball carrier and very skilful player for a man of that size. Could also keep going for the full 80 minutes.

4. Eben Etzebeth – I came up against him in the U20s

Junior World Cup semifinal in 2011 and he was a tough, abrasive player. You wouldn’t want to run into him then or now!

5. Brodie Retallick – Another player from the U20s World Cup who I played against in the final and has gone on to have a brilliant career. Tough operator who could carry and hit hard.

6. Maro Itoje – Potential Lions captain in the summer and right to be considered. Leads by example with strong tackling, turnover skills, lineouts and in recent years a great carrier.

7. Jacques Burger – Watching from full-back as Jacques tackled the big men was truly a sight to behold. I’ve never seen a man throw his body into tackles as bravely as he did!

8. Billy Vunipola – King Billy’s a man-mountain with feet, speed and hands to match. I’ve even seen him put some great kicks in! Top bloke and a big player for Saracens and England.

9. Morgan Parra – Could kick a team to victory on his own and was a thorn in Saracens’ side for many a year at Clermont before they finally started to get the better of them.

10. Owen Farrell – Inspirational guy and a great captain at both Saracens and international level. For me, he’s one of England’s greatest No.10s and is deadly from the tee.

11. David Strettle – He used to play the song Hot Stepper when he scored and he certainly lived up to that over a long period of time. Rapid and made defenders fall over.

12. Brad Barritt – Toughest player I’ve played with. Used to run hard and tackle even harder. Did the big yards for the team and was key to all the trophies Saracens won.

13. Elliot Daly – I actually played against him when I was at Tonbridge School and he was playing for Whitgift School. Great outside break and a really big left boot.

14. Charles Piutau – Another Junior World Cup final opponent in 2011 and what a player he became. Side-steps for fun and equally adept at both wing and full-back.

15. Beauden Barrett – Probably the best player I’ve played against and was my opposite number in that 2011 Junior World Cup final. Quick, good feet, tough and could kick well. Has gone on to great things and can play across the back line.