TIM VISSER AND Ian Madigan may not have made the Lions squad, announced midweek, but their achievements in the Pro12 league have been recognised.
Madigan, set to clinch the league’s golden boot prize for most points, is the only Leinster player to appear in the Pro12 Dream Team, which was announced this afternoon. The 24-year-old has played fullback, inside centre and outhalf this season but has been named as the league’s best outhalf.
Visser is two tries clear atop the try-scoring chart and looks set to claim the accolade for the fourth season in succession. The Dutch-born Scotland international is named on the right wing with George North [nine tries for Scarlets] on the right. Stuart Hogg, named in the Lions squad midweek, is selected at fullback.
Ulster and Ireland centre Luke Marshall is included in midfield along with Scarlets and Wales’ Jonathan Davies. Marshall’s club form earned him a Test debut against Scotland this season. The other Ulster player included is Nick Williams, at No.8. The back row forward is also in the shake-up for ERC Player of the Year.
Three players represent Irish sides this season, down from five in 2011/12 and eight the previous season. Media from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy took part in the nominations process. 81 players received votes, with Vissser receiving the most for an individual player [12].
Pro12 Dream Team: Stuart Hogg (Glasgow); George North (Scarlets), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Tim Visser (Edinburgh); Ian Madigan (Leinster), Nika Watawalu (Glasgow); Ryan Grant, Leonardo Ghiraldini (Treviso), Adam Jones (Ospreys); AW Jones (Ospreys), Al Kellock (Glasgow); Alessandro Zanni (Treviso), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Nick Williams (Ulster).
What do you think? Any glaring omissions?
