In celebration of the Thomond Park World Club Sevens Series we have put together what we think would be the best possible provincial sevens teams and a combined provincial sevens team!
We’ve generally gone with three big men and four flyers for each side.
Munster:
Sevens Dream Team:
CJ Stander
Jack O’Donoghue
Robin Copeland
Keith Earls
Gerhard Van Den Heever
Francis Saili
Simon Zebo.
We’ve went with the three number eights, CJ Stander, Robin Copeland and Jack O’Donoghue for huge ball carrying ability and their bit of pace. Keith Earls offers a speedy and skilful aspect, Van den Heever gives freakish pace and power while new acquisition Francis Saili gets the nod for his flair and vision that should compliment the likewise Simon Zebo.
Star Man: Gerhard Van den Heever
Leinster:
Sevens Dream Team
Sean Cronin
Sean O’Brien
Jack Conan
Ian Madigan
Ben Te’o
Luke Fitzgerald
Rob Kearney.
Sean Cronin is the only frontrower in any of the squads because of his surprising quick feet and physicality. Sean O’Brien, the Tullow Tank is included as he is arguably the hardest runner in Europe. Young Jack Conan is included for similar aspects of his game. Ian Madigan plays in the creative role where his agility and skill set will provide the strong Rugby League convert of Ben Te’o to get the ball moving. Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney are the stars of the team however and would devastate the Sevens world.
Star Man: Rob Kearney
Ulster:
Sevens Dream Team
Nick Williams
Iain Henderson
Stuart McCloskey
Paul Marshall
Stuart Olding
Craig Gilroy
Tommy Bowe.
Ulster have arguably the best team that we have chosen. IN the forwards they’ve got wrecking balls Nick Williams, Iain Henderson and Stuart McCloskey. Little Paul Marshall offers pace and quick thinking to the board while gifted youngsters Stuart Olding and Craig Gilroy seem perfect for the seven a side game. World class Tommy Bowe was another obvious inclusion.
Star Man: Craig Gilroy
Connacht:
Sevens Dream Team
George Naoupu
Jake Heenan
Robbie Henshaw
Kieran Marmion
Bundee Aki
Niyi Adeolokun
Danie Poolman
Connacht have accumalated a very competitive team featuring a number of foreign nationals. Kiwi’s George Naupou and Jake Heenan are two physical men who are joined by strong and speedy Ireland star Robbie Henshaw in the forwards. The electric Kieran Marmion and Bundee Aki provide a creative spark in open play while almost unstoppable flyers Niy Adeolokun and Danie Poolman are selected as the wide men.
Star Man: Niyi Adeolokun
Our Combined 7’s Irish Provincial Team:
Dream Provincial Seven
CJ Stander
Sean O’Brien
Robbie Henshaw
Kieron Marmion
Francis Saili
Keith Earls
Craig Gilroy.
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Munster Haka 