Bryan Habana and Bismarck du Plessis are both included in the best international team that former Wales captain Sam Warburton has faced.

Warburton, who retired in 2018 after successive injuries, named the team in his recently released autobiography, Open Side.

Habana and Du Plessis were the only two South African players named in the side, which consisted mostly of New Zealanders.

Somewhat surprisingly, former All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw were both left out of the starting team but included on the bench, with England’s Johnny Wilkinson and Australian David Pocock named in their positions.

Sam Warburton’s best international team he has faced: Israel Folau (Australia), Bryan Habana (South Africa), Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), Julian Savea (New Zealand), Jonny Wilkinson (England), Will Genia (Australia), Kieran Read (New Zealand), David Pocock (Australia), Jerome Kaino (New Zealand), Sam Whitelock (New Zealand), Paul O’Connell (Ireland) (c), Carl Hayman (New Zealand), Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), Andrew Sheridan (England).
Subs: Guilhem Guirado (France), Cian Healy (Ireland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England), Richie McCaw (New Zealand), Aaron Smith (New Zealand), Dan Carter (New Zealand), Stuart Hogg (Scotland).

Photo: Getty Images