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The Irish Provinces Team Of The Season

The Irish Provinces Team Of The Season
Conor O'Leary
By Conor O'Leary
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There's still one game left in the regular season, as well as the playoffs - but enough of the season has gone by for us to know who the best players in Ireland have been this season.

There are some tight calls, but it's unlikely that the team would be wholly changed with a maximum of three games left.

Here are the best performers across the Irish provinces for the season.

1. Jack McGrath

McGrat

The undisputed first choice. McGrath has been outstanding for two years now, and has finally overtaken Cian Healy this season. McGrath was pushed hard by Connacht's Denis Buckley this season - and James Cronin and Kyle McCall also had good moments - but the future Lions loosehead gets the nod.

2. Rory Best

We aren't blessed with an abundance of hookers in Ireland. Munster's group are beset with injuries, Leinster's duo were overshadowed by the emergence of James Treacy. Ireland captain Best had a good season - perhaps not his best by his lofty standards - but he was still extremely effective. Pushed hard by Connacht's Tom McCartney.

3. Finlay Bealham

Finlay Bealham's fantastic showing against Munster was typical of his entire season. His scrummaging is exceptional, and he gets through so much work on the pitch. He was deservedly called up to the international squad, and he's one of the most skilful tightheads in Ireland.

Mike Ross also demonstrated his importance to Ireland, by coming back and helping Ireland after missing the opening games of the Six Nations.

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Dillane

4. Ultan Dillane

Ultan Dillane was barely known by Connacht fans at the start of this season. The Kerry born lock had suffered from some injury hit seasons, and I'm sure not even Connacht academy manager Nigel Carolan would have expected him to grow so much in such a short space of time.

Dillane displayed pace, power, work-ethic, and exceptional skill for a second-row and earned his Ireland debut. Now everyone in Ireland knows who he is.

5. Aly Muldowney

It's an absolute shame that Muldowney is being allowed to leave for Grenoble next season.

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The veteran is the glue that holds this Connacht team together, leading from the front and continuing some brilliant form. Forget Dillane, Muldowney was Connacht's best lock this season.

He should have been recognised with a new contract and an Ireland call-up.

6. Rhys Ruddock

Ruddock was perhaps the form blindside flanker pre-Christmas, and if it wasn't for the last two years of CJ Stander miracles - he would have been Ireland's replacement for Peter O'Mahony. Ruddock oozes leadership, and is growing as a player in Leinster's backrow.

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7. Josh van der Flier

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A brilliant debut season. Another who was hit by injuries but turned it around to make a big impression in his international debut.

Van der Flier was outstanding, minimising the loss of Sean O'Brien for Leinster and Ireland. He grew into his Ireland career, and just kept getting better as the season progressed.

8. CJ Stander

Stander

There were times when Stander lifted Munster on his back this season, and the rest of the team failed to follow him. Ultimately, Stander will be the reason why they secure a Champions Cup spot instead of finishing below Treviso.

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For Ireland he was even better - making such an impact on his debut and tackling and carrying and stupid amount of times.

9. Ruan Pienaar

It wasn't a strong year for Irish scrumhalves. It was the first year of Conor Murray's career that he didn't keep getting better, and he was outplayed by Ulster's superb Springbok. Pienaar is almost so important to Ulster that when he's in the team they look like title contenders, and when he's not they look like they might not qualify for Europe.

10. Paddy Jackson

PJ

What a season for wee Paddy. This was the year where he convinced me of his potential. The young out-half took control for Ulster, memorably taking them back from a huge half-time deficit to beat Oyonnax away.

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How he didn't get more time with Ireland we'll never know.

11. Matt Healy

Matt Healy was so good for Connacht that I get slagged in the office for mentioning how good he is.

The Pro 12's top try scorer and earned a call up to the Ireland squad. That tells you everything.

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12. Ben Te'o

Leinster will miss him when he's gone. Henshaw won't fill the same things that Te'o does and the province deserves huge credit for developing him... for England.

He ended up being the Sydney Roosters convert that was a whole lot more than power.

13. Bundee Aki

Aki

My player of the season. Connacht showed what happens without Aki by losing to Treviso, and he's taking on a Isa Nacewa type influence on this team.

A future star for Ireland.

14. Craig Gilroy

Gilroy continues to have great seasons, and continues to get overlooked. He was the least injured he's been in his career this year, and was able to produce some magic for Ulster at several times throughout the year.

15. Jared Payne

It's probably a bad sign that the best full-back in Ireland plays outside centre internationally. Payne has been electric in attack from full-back. His intelligent use of space and quick-thinking is something that no other Irish full-back has, whilst remaining solid in defense.

See Also: Four Interprovincial Transfers We'd Like To See The IRFU Make

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