Lock: Tom Palmer
Tom Palmer took the road less travelled to England honours, beginning his career with a second division Leeds in 1997. He then went onto play for Wasps and Gloucester, winning 42 caps in the process. Unknown to most, the lock is still lacing up his boots in France with Bordeaux Begles in the Top 14, where he is also a coach.
Flanker: Kai Horstmann – Exeter Chiefs, 36
Winning the Aviva Premiership last season, the veteran back-rower remain an influential squad member down at Sandy Park. He formerly played for Worcester Warriors and Harlequins and has now made over 170 Premiership appearances to date. He’d definietly not let us down.
Flanker: George Smith – Suntory Sungoliath, 37
he industrious George Smith was ‘Mr Consistent’ for Australia from his debut against France in 2000 to his last appearance in the green and gold against Wales in 2009. In the process he became the Wallabies’ most capped forward, eclipsing the mark of the legendary John Eales. Since then he’s continued to excel and was even brought in to work with the England players during the 2016 Six Nations.
Number 8: Nili Latu – Newcastle Falcons, 35
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The Tongan powerhouse was an instant hit with the Falcons supporters for his destructive and prolific approach to back-row play. Named as 2015-16 players’ player of the season after a sensational debut campaign, Latu finished the season as the club’s top try-scorer. He’s recently recovered from a serious injury but is already looking back to his old self with a monstrous, all-action display against London Irish .