“Had a few bad injuries which was unfortunate but big Stevie was an amazing athlete. One of the biggest guys but could run like a back and was unstoppable.”
7 George Smith
“Bristol colleague who’s still got the razzle about him at 38. In his early days, his link play and ball-playing skills were ridiculous for a back rower – and still are!”
8 Jerome Kaino
“Went to school with Jerome and he was always a great player with bags of skill who was a fearsome prospect to tackle. Going strong with Toulouse.”
9. Fourie du Preez
“Won the World Cup in 2007 and was the heartbeat of the great Super Rugby-winning Bulls side of the Noughties. Big running threat, kicked well, great skills.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Fourie Du Preez of South Africa celebrates his try with Bryan Habana of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between South Africa and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on October 17, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
10 Carlos Spencer
“Could have gone for Carter or Wilkinson but in the early 2000s Carlos really was ‘The King’. No one could touch him in training and he’d just rip sides to shreds.”
