Rugby Championship Team Selected for South African Week – Round 7
Sizzling South African Stars Shine in URC Team of the Week!
Quintin van Jaarsveld raves about our standout South African players in the United Rugby Championship's team of the week. Buckle up, ruggers!
It was an action-packed weekend as Loftus Versfeld witnessed a brutal 44-10 Bulls victory over the Sharks. But, it's not just the Bulls who are grabbing headlines! The Lions cruised to a thrilling 49-25 win over the Dragons, and the Stormers managed a tense but triumphant 31-7 victory against Zebre.
Who made the cut? Let's dive in!
15. Quan Horn (Lions)
This game-changer shone brightly, snagging an early try-saving tackle, powering through for an epic coast-to-coast try, and sparking the bonus-point score.
14. Canan Moodie (Bulls)
Smooth as silk and packing a punch, the blue-chipper made everything he did look effortless. His match-high 90-meter sprint, killer try assist for Stedman Gans, and brilliant footwork had everyone talking.
13. Stedman Gans (Bulls)
Taking on the great Lukhanyo Am, Gans showed off his prowess, leaving defenders in his wake with his footwork, intelligence, and power. He carved his way to not one, but two tries during their clash.
12. Damian Willemse (Stormers)
Springbok hero Willemse showed why he's back with a bang, delivering a deft left-footed grubber for Ruhan Nel's score, flashing some exciting break on the hour mark, and stepping three defenders to secure a late five-pointer.
11. Edwill van der Merwe (Lions)
Van der Merwe started a jaw-dropping counter-attacking try and chased tirelessly, even earning two tries with his lightning-fast speed and charging down a will Reed kick.
10. Johan Goosen (Bulls)
Goosen proved his worth against Curwin Bosch, masterfully controlling the game. From the crucial assist on Gans' first try to daring and skilful dabs, he dazzled the crowd.
9. Morne van den Berg (Lions)
Van den Berg displayed maturity and smart decision-making, managing the game expertly. He boasted impressive clearance kicks, a deft dink for Van der Merwe's try, and a textbook support line to score himself.
8. Cameron Hanekom (Bulls)
Hanekom, a newcomer on the big stage, brought the energy with his explosive carries, tackles, and top-notch offloads to Kurt-Lee Arendse and Louw for their tries.
7. Elrigh Louw (Bulls) - Player of the Week
Louw dominated all facets of the game, snagging a try, making tackles, and breaking free for a match-high 14 hits. His shining performance earned him the Man of the Match award, sending a strong message to Rassie Erasmus and the rest of the rugby world.
6. Emmanuel Tshituka (Lions)
Working tirelessly at the breakdown, Tshituka impressively seized two turnovers and showcased quick feet to evade defenders. He also delivered a few powerful tackles to irritate the opposition.
5. Ruan Delport (Lions)
Stepping up when his team needed him, Delport remained a consistent force even after his lock partner received a red card. He earned vital points for his team with a breakdown penalty, made numerous tackles, and expertly managed the lineout.
4. Ruben van Heerden (Stormers)
Van Heerden was a relentless force in the Stormers' victory over Zebre. He tirelessly performed donkey work, softening up the opposition with his physicality, and showcased his presence in the lineout to earn the Man of the Match award.
3. Neethling Fouche (Stormers)
Fouche dominated the scrum, mastering the Italians and exploiting any weaknesses they might have had.
2. Akker van der Merwe (Bulls)
Van der Merwe earned points for his clinical performance in the set pieces, scoring a brace of tries and making solid defensive reads. He also snatched a key turnover to secure the victory.
1. JP Smith (Lions)
Smith showcased outstanding ball-handling skills, snatching a dragons punt and immediately reacting by offloading it to Henco van Wyk for a long-range try. He also proved to be a formidable scrummager and a dominant force on the field.
Lastly, Quintin van Jaarsveld, a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year and a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year, wrote this enlightening article on South African rugby teams' performances in the URC.
Rugby and football are two popular sports in the spotlight this week, with outstanding performances from South African players in both. Quan Horn's exceptional play for the Lions in the URC showcases his talent in rugby, while Springbok hero Damian Willemse demonstrates his prowess in football with a deft left-footed grubber for Ruhan Nel's score.
