Aviva Premiership Team of the Year

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I hope that you all had a good Christmas and New Year. I am a bit behind with this post but decided to do it anyway. My team of the year. Who's in, who's not? Let me know who you would have instead and if you agree with me!
1. Mako Vunipola 
Having had a great tour with the Lions, Mako has now cemented his place as a world class player. Continuing this form for Saracens has meant that he earns a place in my team. What I love about Mako is the fact that he links the forwards and the backs together so well. Something that Wasps did really well against Bath last Friday. These offloads are majorly successful and often lead to space being exploited out wide. 



2. Jamie George 
Playing second fiddle to Dylan Hartley for England, Jamie George is arguably being denied the chance to shine for England. He offers excitement and a different option to the conventional Hooker. Playing at Saracens with world class players around him has really helped him to develop into a quality player who is definitely pushing the England captain for a space in Eddie Jones' side.   

3. Harry Williams 
A real gem. The 130kg prop from Exeter has made his mark on the international scene and has been impressing for Rob Baxter's side. Like the rest of the front row I have picked, Williams offers something different to the conventional prop. Don't let his long hair and tattoos fool you. Williams is a real talent.  


4. Maro Itoje 
We all know how talented he is. One of the best players in the world at the moment and at the age of 23, there is a big chance that he can get even better than he already is. With 74 Saracens appearances, 14 for England and 3 for the Lions, it is amazing how quickly he has become the first name on the team sheet for whatever team he plays in. He is set to be back in action this weekend after recovering from a fractured jaw in what must be a record time!

5. Joe Launchbury 
A real workhorse. Joe Launchbury does all the work behind the scenes. His workrate is phenomenal. He is everywhere. Carrying the ball, clearing out breakdowns. With many man of the match performances so far this season Launchbury is a definite in my team. Playing for a team like Wasps who have a great amount of quality and pace out wide, it is important for players like Launchbury to do their role well. He does it perfectly. 



6. Chris Robshaw 
A player similar to Launchbury. Happy to do the hard work. He carries well and is useful at the breakdown. Playing for Harlequins, who haven't had the best of seasons, has made things tough for the players. Robshaw has been a real leader within the team and has shown his true quality both on and off the pitch. 

7. Don Armand 
Don Armand has been playing exceptionally well for Exeter and was unlucky not to get called up into the England training squad over the New Year. He is doing everything right and I like the way he plays. Eddie Jones has said that he wants Armand to carry the ball in harder and become more of a ball carrier. I disagree. I like the way that he plays and hope that he gets another chance in the England shirt. 



8. Zach Mercer
What a talent Zach Mercer is. He has done really well for Bath this season filling in for the injured Sam Underhill and Francois Louw. I am a real fan of the way that he carries the ball. Not always direct and powerfully but side stepping and finding the gap before running forward. He always makes his tackles and at the age of 20, it is amazing that he is playing at such a high level.
9. Danny Care
In a very competitive position, Danny Care has really stood out for me. A real quality player who has done well despite Harlequins recent lack of form. I am a huge fan of the way that he injects pace into a team. He can put the ball exactly where he wants to when he kicks it and the fact that he has the confidence to try things makes him a player which has to be in my team of the year.
10. Gareth Steenson
A player which I feel does not get as much credit as they deserve. Leading the total points table so far this season with 117 points, Steenson is a player who does his job exceptionally well week in week out. A real representation of all things Exeter. Consistent and experienced, Steenson is in.
11. Josh Adams
Wow. Josh Adams is leading the try scoring table with 9 tries so far this season. Impressive, considering also that he plays for a team ranked 11th in the premiership. This just shows how much talent that he has. There is talk of him being included in Wales' Six Nations squad. This is now even more likely with George North's recent injury putting him out for 4 weeks. A really exciting player and one which Worcester must really look to keep hold of.


12. Owen Farrell
Rugby World Magazine have ranked Owen Farrell as this years best player from all around the world. I think it's close with him and Beauden Barrett but Farrell has to be England's best player. His game management is brilliant and he is a real talent. One of the few world class players in England.
13. Henry Slade
I really like the way that Henry Slade plays. A really strong attacking player who played really well against Leicester last Sunday. A player who has great skill and has the ability to play almost anywhere in the backline. I hope that he gets given another chance to prove himself in the England shirt in the Six Nations.



14. Elliot Daly
Another skillful player with the ability to play in a number of positions. I am glad that he has started playing on the wing for Wasps a bit more. He has real speed and many skills which has seen him put in many people's team of the year. He can kick well and has played very well for club and country. 


 15. Alex Goode 
It is a wonder why such a quality player is not involved with England. Saracens fans will be happy that he plays so well week in week out for his club. It seems that his international career will be put on hold. A great attacking player who rarely misses a tackle. 

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  1. MG10004 January 2018 at 01:49

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