François Cros: The Team of My Life including ‘respected’ Springbok and ‘the best rugby player I have ever seen’
France and Toulouse back-rower François Cros has picked his Dream XV based on the players he’s played with or against.
James While sat down with the workhorse flanker over coffee in the Toulouse sunshine to pick his XV in the first of a new regular feature on Planet Rugby.
Having played well over 150 matches for Toulouse and more than 30 times for Les Bleus, Cros has encountered some of the best talents that have graced the rugby pitch and that is reflected in his selections.
François Cros’ Dream XV
15 Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): “A master of creativity who has a knack of making that big play. A nightmare to defend against.”
14 Damian Penaud (France): “Like Barrett, a man who can turn a game. I am thankful I play in the same international team!”
13 Garry Ringrose (Ireland): “More physical than he looks, he’s always a challenge at Test or European level.”
12 Pita Ahki (Tonga): “The glue in the Toulouse backline and a great mate.”
11 Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa): “Game-changing and very intelligent, his record speaks for itself.”
10 Romain Ntamack (France): “I couldn’t pick anyone else. He has few weaknesses and it’s an honour to play both Test and domestic rugby with him.”
9 Antoine Dupont (France): “The best rugby player I have ever seen, bar none. Inspirational.”
Superstar Antoine Dupont decorated with the top honour in France
The all-important back-row!
8 Ardie Savea (New Zealand): “Challenges you in so many areas – from the line-out to the breakdown. A real handful.”
7 Josh van der Flier (Ireland): “A real nuisance and someone I’ve enjoyed duelling with many times over the years for my club and country. Hard and abrasive.”
6 Thierry Dusautoir (France): “My hero and mentor coming up through the ranks of Toulouse and France. It is an honour to wear his jersey number for both club and country and it’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
5 Emmanuel Meafou (France): “Does things others cannot. Huge.”
4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): “Intelligent, hard and powerful and someone you always respect in the opposition.”
3 Charlie Faumuina (Samoa): “Charlie taught me how to relax before a game – he was so chilled pre-match and then he still put in huge performances regularly!”
2 Julien Marchand (France): “My hardest choice, but Juju is back to his best and we’re blessed, both at Toulouse and France, to have depth at hooker.”
1 Andrew Porter (Ireland): “Never gives up – a real competitor and wonderful over the ball in the loose.”
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