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Ben Kay selects his Six Nations Fantasy XV

Former England and Lions international Ben Kay, who is a presenter of ESPN's Aviva Premiership rugby coverage, selects his fantasy XV for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.

Ben Kay selects his Six Nations Fantasy XV

Ben Kay selects his Six Nations Fantasy XV

  • 1/15

    1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
    Jenkins has got a few years of experience and with the relatively young team I've chosen, I think it's important to have this.

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  • 2/15

    2. William Servat (France)
    There isn't really a stand-out hooker, but Servat's gritty old style makes a real difference with two looser all action props.

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  • 3/15

    3. Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
    This guy is a bit of a cult hero with his hair, style and spiky attitude. Although I think Cole might be stronger in a straight pushing contest, Castro just clinches the position due to his experience.

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  • 4/15

    4. Courtney Lawes (England)
    Courtney is a world class player and one of the best defensive locks that I've seen in a long time. Some say he's a bit dirty but I think he just loves to hit hard. His work rate around the pitch is great and his cover tackles are second to none.

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  • 5/15

    5. Richie Gray (Scotland)
    This was a tough call between Richie and Ireland's Paul O'Connell, but like Stuart Lancaster, I've gone with youth. Richie is my token Scot, Scotland's successes are often based on the fact that they don't have any stand-out superstars, but in Richie Gray they have one.

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  • 6/15

    6. Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
    Ferris' performance against Leicester seals his position for me. He's a great player and I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the tournament.

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  • 7/15

    7. Sam Warburton (Wales)
    In my opinion, Warburton is the best in the world at what he does. He has a different sort of style, which I like and his tight stuff in the mauls and rucks is better than anyone at the moment.

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  • 8/15

    8. Sergio Parisse (France)
    Parisse is another world class player who I'm looking forward to see play in the tournament. Some of his performances for Italy show him as a real leader and I think he would be even better if he was surrounded by other world class players.

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  • 9/15

    9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
    This was a tough call between Phillips and Ireland's Conor Murray, but I feel as if Phillips' courage, competiveness and ability to turn a game is too much to ignore. I almost see him as an extra second row because of his ability to create that extra yard.

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    10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
    I've chosen Johnny because of his ability to turn a game around. Although his kicking percentages were quite poor in the World Cup, I think he's going to come back with a bang.

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  • 11/15

    11. George North (Wales)
    Another young guy who could become a superstar. His ability to get over the game line and break tackles is something to behold. These are both special qualities that could see this lad become a house-hold name.

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  • 12/15

    12. Maxime Mermoz (France)
    I think he will bring a bit of experience into my back line. Mermoz is silky with the ball and has great foot work. A typical French centre. I think if he linked-up with Tuilagi it would mean a world of trouble for any opposition.

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  • 13/15

    13. Manu Tuilagi (England)
    Tuilagi can make a massive impact on every game he plays. He could do nothing all game and then change the outcome within a couple of phases. He does this better than anyone in not only the England squad but anyone in the competition.

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  • 14/15

    14. Maxime Medard (France)
    I think Medard could easily handle the wing role in my team. I think he is one of the reasons why France over performed in the World Cup.

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  • 15/15

    15. Ben Foden (England)
    Ben's recent performances for the Northampton Saints has really put down the marker on why he should start for England. He is a real attacking force and with his speed and ability to make ground from deep positions, this for me, makes him top player.

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I'm very excited about this tournament because of the fresh feel to the squad. I'd expect England to do pretty well because of the excitement and adrenaline running through the youngsters who have come in. I think there's less pressure on this team due to the fact no one expects the new boys to really do much and going in as under-dogs could work in our favour, we've seen this before with Wales in previous tournaments.

However, we do have a very tough start with Scotland and Italy away, these are two teams that we'd normally beat but Scotland play harder when under pressure and Italy will look at England's in-experience as a weakness. I think if we put two really good performances in with these games the confidence throughout the team will soar and the momentum will build. If this happens, it could be a very interesting few weeks.

Click here or click 'VIEW GALLERY' to launch Ben Kay's Six Nations Fantasy XV

Ben Kay is a presenter for ESPN's Aviva Premiership rugby coverage. ESPNScrum.com is providing live scores, commentary, reports, reaction and analysis from the RBS Six Nations. ESPN Classic programming starts on the 4th February with legendary RBS Six Nations encounters between England and Scotland.

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