26th June 2009

The Rugby Paper recently contacted Phil Westren requesting him to contact 'Ice' for him to compile his 'Dream Team' of players he has played with and against during his career.

Aisea's selection makes interesting reading (as featured in this week's Rugby Paper), with it of no surprise that he was impressed by good old Heino!

Aisea's Dream Team:-

15 Lee Byrne
Presently full-back for the British Lions, Lee is picked because I know him quite well from our time together at Llanelli. He is a quality player, brave under the high ball, an able kicker and an exciting counter attacker.

14 Jason Robinson
I played for Worcester against 'Billy Whizz' in the Guinness Premiership, when he was at Sale. We had the same speed but he is strong and very physical and his footwork is brilliant. He is someone who would have supporters watching on the edge of their seats, them waiting for the moments when his running would bemuse the opposition.

13 Josh Taumalolo
In my mind Josh is one of the best centres of our time, who I'd judge as also being the best Tongan international to have played in his position. He's a strong runner, a ferocious tackler and an inspiration to his team-mates.

12 Sam Tuitupou -
When he's on fire the Kiwi international pocket rocket, nicknamed 'Malakai', is an incredible performer. He is very skilful, dynamic, runs strong lines in attack, and is truly superb in defence.

11 Salesi Finau
Salesi almost joined the Cornish Pirates a couple of years ago, having previously played for Llanelli, Bath, and Bourgoin. Sadly, because of family reasons, the move never happened, so Cornish rugby supporters missed out on seeing this huge figure, a great character and determined individual who could play in any position!

10 Neil Jenkins
It was a dream come true to play in the same Celtic Warriors side as Neil. He's a legend, and will always be! He is, as many will know, Wales's highest ever points scorer, and the second highest in international rugby history.

9 Dimitri Yachvili
The grandson of a Georgian POW during WW2 in France, French international scrum-half Dimitri is without doubt one of the best in his position in Europe. This was a difficult choice between him, who I played against when he was with Toulouse, and Dwayne Peel, but the bonus of his dependable boot proved persuasive.

8 Scott Quinnell
Skilful and clever for a big fella, we played together in the same team at Llanelli. A member of the Quinnell dynasty, who we often see nowadays as a TV pundit, Scott displayed pride, power and passion playing in the back-row mainly as a No. 8.

7 Martin Williams
Flanker Martin is an unbelievable talent to watch. His skill levels are high and he is very smart, the experienced performer always leading by example and it no surprise that this summer he has been a 'British Lion' again.

6 Nili Latu
Otenili Langilangi, to give him his correct name, led the Tongan squad that I was a member of in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He's very determined, a 'Tongan torpedo' whose talented and incredibly physical.

5 Heino Senekal
During my first season at the Pirates I was mightily impressed with the strength, ball carrying ability and commitment shown by this former Namibian international. A big hulk of timber who proudly played for the 'Barbarians' earlier this year, Heino recently retired after spending five years in Cornwall.

4 Danny Grewcock
I played for Worcester against the big Bath man, who has formerly played for England and the British Lions. He is a very strong and has a reputation for physicality, but the former England lock is also very mobile for a player in his position.

3 Tevita Taumopeau
When I played in the same team as Tevita at Worcester, I thought he was as good a scrummager as you could ever see! He's got great skills and is a Tongan international idol, whose nickname is Fefine Tangi loi 'o Utumalama!

2 Robin McBride
Playing in the same team as Robin at the 'Scarlets', he is someone you respect for his tenacity and determination. Some might have thought him an animal on the pitch, but it showed his commitment and he was one of Llanelli's most passionate and loyal players.

1 Gethin Jenkins
People in Cornwall tell me that former Pirate and England international 'Stack' Stevens was similar to Gethin, who played for Celtic Warriors during my time there. He is presently the outstanding loose-head prop forward in the world of rugby. His work rate for a big man is simply phenomenal, making runs with the ball and tackles that others props can only dream of.