Joe Marler’s team includes two All Blacks, two Irishmen, and one well-known Welshman.
These five players were singled out for special acclaim by the England and Harlequins prop, who was picking his ideal side for JOE.co.uk, with one player labelled “the best scrummager I’ve ever seen.”
Rory Best (Ireland)
The 36-year-old hooker made his international debut in 2005 and has 124 caps to his name, making him Ireland’s third most-capped player. Best has led Ireland to three Six Nations titles since taking over as captain from Paul O’Connell in 2013, including the Grand Slam in 2018.
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
The second-rower for the Ospreys has developed into a talismanic and inspirational personality who would be a candidate for most people’s global team right now.
Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
Kaino, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, announced his retirement last month after leading Toulouse to their 21st league victory, as well as a European and domestic double.
Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
The Irish second row had remarkable rugby abilities, having been one of the best tight forwards in the world for more than a decade. Three-time Lions captain who led the 2009 Lions visit to South Africa.
Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Hayman is widely regarded as the best tighthead prop to have ever played the game, having played over 40 times for New Zealand. Hayman is the scrum’s most difficult man to destabilize from a technical standpoint. Hayman was dominant in practically every engagement during Toulon’s Heineken Cup-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2014.
