Joe Marler's dream team of players he’s coached could compete with any team from any generation of rugby.
Looking back through the archives, the 31-year-old saves his praise for only the players he truly admires.
The England prop, who has played at three World Cups and toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017, has played with or against some absolute legends down the years.
Using several interviews with various sources from down the years, we’ve formed Joe Marler's dream team of the players based on the players he bestowed with the most acclaim.
JOE MARLER: DREAM TEAM
FRONT-ROW
1. Jason Leonard (England)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Marler on Leonard: "My Idol - I still pinch myself when I'm in his company. A juggernaut on the pitch and a legendary drinker and socialiser off it."
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
BACK-ROW
6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
7. Justin Tipuric (Wales)
8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
HALFBACKS
9. Will Genia (Australia)
10. Owen Farrell (England)
Marler on Farrell: "The only indispensable player is Farrell. He is to England what Cristiano Ronaldo is to Portugal, or what Steph Curry is to the Golden State Warriors. With his leadership, ability and drive, England are a different animal. Owen takes things by the scruff of the neck, just like his dad."
Owen Farrell (c) of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK
CENTRES:
12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
BACK-THREE:
- 11. Siteveni Sivivatu (New Zealand)
- 14. Josua Tuisova (Fiji)
- 15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Try Celebrations for Stuart Hogg of Exeter Chiefs during the European Rugby Champions Cup Match between Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier at Sandy Park on 11 December 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK