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Paddy Jackson kicks a penalty against Northampton. ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
kicking kings

Pro12 points race: Irish trio chasing Welsh Dragon for top spot

Just eight points separate Ian Keatley, Paddy Jackson and Jonathan Sexton.

TOM PRYDIE LEADS the way in the RaboDirect Pro12 points race but two Irish players are a good Christmas away from overtaking the Welshman.

The Newport Gwent Dragons out-half has stretched ahead of the competition due to his non-involvement with the Welsh national set-up.

Prydie, who is not in action until the St Stephen’s Day trip to Cardiff, has 23 penalties, nine conversions and two tries to his name so far this season.

Dan Biggar is second, on 69 points, with Ian Keatley a further point back and Jonathan Sexton on 67.

Paddy Jackson’s 14 penalties and nine conversions have yielded him 60 points and he will be hoping to add to that total against Leinster tonight.

Ian Madigan is back in the 10 jersey after his dalliance with the fullback position. The Dubliner is also on 60 points, with three tries boosting his numbers.

Here comes the Payne

Irish interest in the contest for top try-scorer comes in the form of Jared Payne.

The New Zealander has been a revelation for Ulster at fullback this term but was shifted into the centre to make up for the November loss of international hopefuls Luke Marshall and Darren Cave.

Payne is back in his favoured position for the visit of Leinster to Ravenhill and will be seeking to add to his five try tally.

The runaway leader is Scotland’s Tim Visser.

The Dutchman has 10 tries so far this season and the porous Glasgow Warriors defence await at Scotstoun tonight.

The injured George North is next on the list with seven while Robert Barbieri [Treviso] and Andrew Fenby [Scarlets] both have six.

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