Similarly to Leinster, Connacht's greatest midfield of the professional era seems a no brainer - Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki.
Not only are both brilliant individual players but the partnership they formed was crucial to guiding Connacht to their Pro 12 triumph of 2016.
Aki was Pro12 player of the season that year and more than any other player seemed to embody Connacht’s evolution under Pat Lam. He continues to be a talisman to this day and probably now inhabits the same sphere as Williams, Elsom , Pienaar et al - a foreign signing who transformed his new province both on and off the field.
Henshaw may be perceived slightly differently by the Connacht diehards.
Having had the potential to become Connacht’s first genuine home grown superstar, seeing him become the latest in a long line of players to depart for Leinster must have had a particular sting.
This may have been amplified by Henshaw’s central contract which notionally meant there were no extra riches to be had in Dublin.
Perhaps, Henshaw’s departure could be viewed as a clear measure of the power the IRFU began to wield during the Joe Schmidt era. It’s hard not to speculate that the prospect of Sexton, Henshaw and Ringrose playing alongside each other week in week out was not an appealing vista for the union and maybe for the player himself.
Off pitch intrigue aside, Henshaw’s performances for his home province were nothing short of exceptional. As a regular front line international and a Lion to boot his selection here looks equally assured.
In the interests of fairness it’s worth acknowledging that Connacht had a few other serious operators in midfield over the last couple of decades.
James Downey makes a strong claim, the impact he went on to have at Northampton and Munster speaks to his quality as a player.
Tim Alnutt, Keith Matthews, Eoin Griffin and Tom Farrell have all had great days in the green jersey. Griffin seemed to have a big future ahead of him at one point but has ultimately been unfortunate with injuries when it comes to fulfilling his potential.
RTE selection Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki
