Martin Bayfield picks a XV of the best players he’s played with or against -
Full-back: Gavin Hastings (Scotland)
During my international career Gavin was, pretty much, the Scotland team.
Right wing: Ieuan Evans (Wales)
There were faster wings, but his ability to read and influence a game was enormous. Against the Maori in 1993, with the Lions down by 20 points, he took control of the game, scoring a crucial try.
Outside-centre: Jeremy Guscott (England)
Gave an efficient, effective England side a touch of finesse. An arrogant sod and a pain in the arse at times, but great fun.
Inside-centre: Scott Gibbs (Wales)
I liked the way he carried himself. He was humble and quiet, but could be scary on the pitch.
Left wing: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
I remember holding on to his leg, and it was like putting your arm around somebody’s chest.
Fly-half: Rob Andrew (England)
Once the pressure came, he never folded. England’s gameplan was built around him.
Scrum-half: Rob Howley (Wales)
My last game for England was his first for Wales. England won, but Rob scored a remarkable try. You could see he was special.
Loosehead prop: Gary Pagel (South Africa)
If only Northampton had a player of his quality now. I have seen him destroy an opposition’s front row.
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
Sean makes you realise why the English will never get to the same level as the All Blacks: we do not have the same passion or history.
Tighthead prop: Jason Leonard (England)
Would come into your hotel room so any food or drink went on your tab.
Lock: Martin Johnson (England, capt)
You do not need to say much about Johnno, he was that influential for England. Boring as hell with his American football, but intelligent.
Lock: John Eales (Australia)
We made our debuts two days apart, but, boy, was there a gulf between us. He made me look at how I played my game.
Blindside flanker: Tim Rodber (England)
One of those guys who could drift in and out of a game, but, when he got it right, he was unbelievable.
Openside flanker: Peter Winterbottom (England)
Winters played for Hawke’s Bay during the 80s. When we returned to a bar in that part of New Zealand on the 1993 Lions tour, the whole place stood to applaud him.
No 8: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
There was something that set him apart. I have never come across a player with so much skill.