Tom Curry leaves Richie McCaw out of his all-time back-row

The Sale Sharks flanker had a breakthrough season in 2016/17 and made his Twickenham bow in an uncapped game against the Barbarians in May 2017, after twin brother Ben had withdrawn because of a back spasm.

The following month Tom appeared in the first Test against Argentina in San Juan five days before his 19th birthday, becoming the youngest player to start at flanker for England and youngest forward since 1912 - only the great Jonny Wilkinson has been a younger debutant for England.

He started every game of the 2019 Six Nations scoring tries against Wales and Scotland and was part of the England squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. His performances across that year saw him nominated for the World Rugby player of the year.

DID YOU KNOW? Tom Curry studied at Oundle School – where the master in charge of rugby was their uncle and former England international John Olver.

The flanker was “first on the team-sheet,” according to Martin Johnson and Sir Clive Woodward. Praised by Jeremy Guscott for his “work rate”, it is no wonder the forward scored so many points.

TC: "I have to go Hilly. As a mentor growing up from 15 he has to be in our team. His reputation and how good he was as a player, I think he'd be really fun to play with."

The Zimbabwe-born flanker, who was capped 83 times over an 11-year period, hung up his boots earlier this year following a stellar career.

Curry said: "Watching him a lot, he's probably the person I've tried to emulate most. Also not just as a player, I'd love to have been around him as a bloke during his training regime. It always looked intense.

"An incredible player."

An integral part of the World Cup-winning squad 13 years ago. His commitment to the badge is also shown at club level, with 227 appearances for Wasps.

Curry said: "Dallaglio was a big player for us growing up and our Dad loved him. His ability at eight and his physical carrying I think would make this back-row really exciting. Probably a bit of a boring answer.

"The only other option would be Sebastien Chabal. He was probably the first person we idolised as Sale supporters when we moved to the North West."