Nacho Brex’s Team of My Life: Fearsome Springbok, the ‘hardest man to defend’ and the greatest I have seen
The rise of the Azzurri as a formidable team has impressed all of rugby in recent times.
We have partnered with eToro, the official investing and trading partner of Premiership Rugby, to bring you this series, Team of My Life, in which a famous face from the world of rugby recalls an ultimate XV.
At the heart of their resurgence is the brilliant ex-Benetton and now RC Toulon centre, Juan Ignacio Brex, a fearsome and talented player that’s shone like a beacon in recent seasons in both attack and defence.
We caught up with Nacho to find out what he considers is the Team of His Life.
“Firstly, I want to say I am picking a team across the clubs that I would love to play in, so my focus is on hard carriers and pace with ball in hand.
“It was so hard to pick this, so apologies to my great friends, teammates and opponents if I left you out!”
Juan Ignacio Brex’s Dream Team
15 Jayden Hayward (Benetton and Italy): Jayden is someone I loved playing with at club level. He was so big and direct it allowed others space to play off, especially when he ran into the centre channels as an extra man, something he learned playing centre in his native New Zealand.
14 Damian Penaud (UBB and France): Do I have to give a reason?! So hard to defend against and I don’t think fans realise Damian is some 6’4″ and 105kg, so when he breaks he also has the power to smash through anything other than a perfect tackle.
13 Tommaso Menoncello (Benetton and Italy): He’s my little bro and I wouldn’t want anyone else there. I simply love playing with Tommy and I believe he’s in the very top bracket in the world centre debate.
12 Ma’a Nonu (RC Toulon and New Zealand): I guess Ma’a was one of my first rugby heroes when I was younger. I’m now able to hook up with him in my new life in Toulon. The master of the 12 craft and an all-time great.
11 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath and South Africa): The hardest man to defend one-on-one in the world, Electric pace, huge physicality for a man of his size – but what really impresses me is his ability to learn and evolve. A champion wing.
10 Tomas Albornoz (Benetton and Argentina): I really don’t think that Tomas has yet got the plaudits he deserves. He’s fast, intelligent and elusive. As good as any ten in the world right now.
9 Antoine Dupont (Toulouse and France): Simply the most skilful and intelligent rugby player I have ever encountered. He is without doubt the greatest I have seen or played against. The Master.
The forwards
8 Sergio Parisse (RC Toulon and Italy) If Dupont is the master of back play then Sergio is his equivalent upfront. I remember in his last ever pro game for RCT v Lyon, he played a half at ten for fun and looked like a test fly half! Remarkable talent, world-class in every skill, and now one of my coaches at Toulon.
7 Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika and New Zealand): Can you imagine Ardie and Parisse in the same back-row? The handling would be off the charts!
6 Pablo Matera (Honda Heat and Argentina): With the running and handling at seven and eight I needed a rock at six and I’ll go with Matera, a man who is a born warrior and great friend. He’s as hard as nails and super powerful.
5 Eben Etzebeth (Sharks and South Africa): The most physical man in the game, it’s that simple. But he’s also one of the most intelligent too, and a real student of the sport.
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys and Wales): AWJ would be my skipper. A man that you really never got to know until you won his respect on the pitch and a true warrior.
3 Tadhg Furlong (Leinster and Ireland): Not only a world-class prop but I would want him to lead the socials too! A lovely guy, a great player and a fearsome adversary.
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears and South Africa): His try-scoring record is fearsome and so is he. So mobile and would fit into my team ethos perfectly.
1 Thomas Gallo (Benetton and Argentina): One of the most fun players around- a real character, but one with such great footwork it’s staggering. He and Tadhg could play together in the centre and do a great job!
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