Pro 12 Southern Hemisphere XV
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With the Pro 12 semi-finals just about to kick off we take a look at how the Southern Hemisphere has influenced this season's competition, by picking our favourite 23.
- Werner Kruger
The former Springbok front rower has further enhanced his reputation in the Pro 12 competition, providing a solid platform for the Scarlets backs.
- Rhys Marshall
The New Zealand hooker was in fine form when he left Crusaders in 2016 and has continued his fine form under Rassie Eramus' guidance and would be a strong contender for an All Black jersey had he stayed in New Zealand.
- Brian Mujati
The Zimbabwean-born front rower joined Ospreys on a short-term deal and has since signed a long-term deal with the Welsh club, following some impressive performances.
- Brian Alainu'uese
The New Zealand-born second rower has been a standout performer with Glasgow Warriors since his arrival in 2016.
The 23-year-old has since signed a 2-year extension with the club.
- Jarrad Hoeata
The former Highlanders lock has been a consistent performer for Cardiff and averages just under 10 tackles a game.
- Marcell Coetzee
Despite the Springbok flanker being injured for the majority of his time in Ireland, he has impressed the fans and management in his 4 appearances.
At 26-years-old Coetzee still, has the potential to develop his game even further.
- Jean Deysel
Another Springbok flanker joins Coetzee on the other side of the scrum, Deysel joined Munster while CJ Stander was on international duty for Ireland and has provided some much-needed impact on the bench.
- Naulia Dawai
The Fijian loose forward has been in scintillating form for Connacht, so much so that he earned himself a two-year extension with the province.
Dawai is a textbook Fijian with wide range of skills from his handling right through to his tackling.
- Ruan Pienaar
The World Cup winning scrum-half arrived in Ireland in 2010 has since become somewhat of a legend at the Irish Province.
Pienaar's ability to control the game with his deadly passes and pinpoint kicking earned him 88 Springbok caps.
- Tyler Bleyendaal
Tyler Bleyendaal has grown from strength to strength at Munster, helping his side to finish at the top of the Pro 12 standings and a Challenge Cup semi-final.
He has converted over 80% of his attempts at goal this season and scoring more than 200 points.
- Louis Ludik
Louis Ludik left the Sharks in fine form in 2014 and has continued that form ever since.
A brilliant outside back Ludik has formed a strong partnership with the likes of Charles Piutau.
- Francis Saili
Despite some injury concerns Francis Salili has been impressive for Munster, the former All Black has been his usual self as he terrorised defences and snuffing out the opposition's attack.
- Bundee Aki
The former Chiefs centre has been the buzz of the town since joining Connacht in 2014, so much so that he is tipped to earn an Ireland call-up
- Charles Piutau
Charles Piutau has been a crucial part of Ulster's success during the 2016/17 season.
The New Zealand flyer has scored 9 tries this season and was set to represent the Barbarians in June but was forced to withdraw through injury.
- Carl Meyer
Carl Meyer has been a standout performer for the struggling Dragons side this season. The fullback has appeared in 16 of the 22 matches in the Pro 12 scoring 21 points (3t,2p).
16. Corey Flynn
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Wiehahn Herbst
19. Rynard Landman
20. Nepia Fox Matamua
21. Sarel Pretorius
22. Marnitz Boshoff
23. Jaco Taute
Notable Mentions:
Te Aiha Toma, Hadleigh Parkes, Stacey Illi, Nemia Kenatale, Zane Kirchner, Franco van der Merwe