Poculum Mundi

With the World Cup in full swing, I thought it would be appropriate to re-post the Roman First XI put together a few years ago by Mike Salter. I reckon they'd have at least as good a chance of Australia of making it through to the next round.

GK: Tacitus. Lets nothing through.

RB: Horace. Has the patience and intelligence for the full-back role, while not being afraid to go on the attack now and then when circumstances demand.
CB: Suetonius. Always at the centre of things (he was an imperial secretary, after all), and passionately organised in his approach.
CB: Tertullian. A passionate defender (of Christianity, but that's not to say he would be incapable of other kinds of defence).
LB: Martial. Unobtrusive, favours the short ball, and has no hesitation in chopping down the pretty boys on the opposition side.

RM: Juvenal. Like all true satirists, a right-winger by inclination.
CDM: Vitruvius. The architect of the side.
CAM: Catullus. For the playmaker role, you really need someone who can pull surprises, and this bloke was full of them.
LM: Cicero. Hardworking in the service of the team (as he never ceases to remind his team-mates).

STR: Virgil. His skill in finished phrases would surely make him a fine finisher.
STR: Ovid. Adds grace, enterprise and elegance to any side, and an ideal foil to his fellow hexameter-merchant in attack.

This list was originally published in the comments back here. The ancient Greek first XI can be seen in action here.