What's he done at the highest level?
He's new to international setup, but I'd argue his ceiling is a lot higher than Beard.
I'm not accusing welsh bias, my issue is you're picking a bang average international lock with no real point of difference (someone said one of the best around at defending mauls but that's an exaggeration for sure)
I don't really agree with Hill either but if you're asking who I'd rather have of the two, it would be hill for his freakish size at least
But its Beard over Jonny gray that irks me as much as hill over Gray, who's been a fabulous second row, in lineouts and engine /dirty work for longer than beard, and better than beard.
I would also take Kruis if it was an option ahead of him, you can say about 8 months in Japan but again a highly decorated premiership and European lock, who's won tons with England by being a brilliant lineout operator and locking out his scrum, as well as leading England in mauls for several years.
I just don't rate Beard as a Liom, because he's just about international quality for me
I'd also say, again, please don't use team stats to justify one player. You need more than that, because its others who have stood out ahead of him in that team comfortably
I wouldn't suggest taking George ford just because he reached a WC final, or Billy vunipola as they haven't been good enough.
Its an odd selection and a bit baffling for players like Gray who have been standouts in subpar teams for years
