Week 7 Standout Players in the United Rugby Championship SA Edition
Laid-Back Discussion:
Siya Kolisi stole the show during a thrilling United Rugby Championship (URC) weekend, as the Sharks and Bulls bagged crucial victories, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.
The Sharks snatched their initial victory over the Stormers in the URC with a 21-15 triumph at Kings Park. Meanwhile, the Bulls outmuscled Connacht 28-14 in Galway, despite losing a player to a red card. The Lions displayed unyielding spirit but ultimately fell 17-10 to Munster in Limerick.
Our South African URC Dream Team boasts seven Bulls, six Sharks, and a couple of Lions.
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15: Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
With his top-notch performance, Mr. Fassi earned URC's Man of the Match award. Known for his lightning speed and daring moves, he added a try assist, clean breaks, and a try-saving intercept to his tally. A yellow card and a penalty try conceded almost cost the Sharks the game, but he managed to pull through.
14: Canan Moodie (Bulls)
After a shaky start, Moodie bounced back to create a try for Embrose Papier and snag one for himself. With an impressive 5 clean breaks and 165 meters covered, he proved his worth on the field.
13: Henco van Wyk (Lions)
A force to be reckoned with, Van Wyk was a one-man army, scoring the try of the weekend while bursting through nine defenders for 53 meters. He effortlessly overpowered the opposition.
12: Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)
A key player in the midfield, Esterhuizen delivered crucial moments, like his excellent counter-attack that almost resulted in a try, and charging over for a five-pointer to widen the gap for the Sharks. He made a team-high 8 successful carries and beat 4 defenders.
11: Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
Mapimpi continued his exceptional form, demonstrating blazing speed and great coordination. He showcased a superb run from deep and fantastic link-ups with Fassi and Esterhuizen, along with making a match-high 105 meters.
10: Johan Goosen (Bulls)
While Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu had an impressive debut, Goosen clinched the nod due to his solid all-round effort and seamless goal-kicking.
9: Embrose Papier (Bulls)
This talented scrum half started the game with a brilliant break down the blindside to set up Sebastian de Klerk for the first try, and minutes later, he cleverly chipped for Willie le Roux to cross the line. Impressive on defense and full of heart, he claimed the Man of the Match award.
8: Siya Kolisi (Sharks) - Player of the Week
The Bok captain and Sharks' leader was a force to reckon with at No. 8. He won crucial turnovers, broke tackles, and even scored a popular try, solidifying his position among the best.
7: Cobus Wiese (Bulls)
An unrelenting force on the field, Wiese dominated collisions and laid a solid foundation for the Bulls. He won an early breakdown penalty and secured a vital lineout steal on his 5m line.
6: Cameron Hanekom (Bulls)
Stepping in to replace an injured Marcell Coetzee, Hanekom proved to be an absolute workhorse, making a team-best 15 tackles.
5: Gerbrandt Grobler (Sharks)
An all-around performer, Grobler covered plenty of ground and put in a solid shift in the lineouts. He charged down a Herschel Jantjies' kick and played a crucial role in the rucks.
4: Ruan Vermaak (Bulls)
Master of the lineouts, Vermaak ruled the trenches with an iron fist. He poached the very first lineout and delivered a second steal in the 49th minute. His mobility and work ethic shone through in every aspect of the game.
3: Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions)
Versatile and hardworking, Ntlabakanye impressed across the board. He won two scrum penalties, showcased his agility, and put in a solid defensive effort.
2: Akker van der Merwe (Bulls)
Described as "The Angry Warthog," Van der Merwe was a whirlwind of energy on the field, demonstrated by his powerful runs, combative nature, and strong showing in the set pieces. He won a crucial penalty on the ground in the 32nd minute.
1: Ox Nche (Sharks)
Nche is much more than just a phenomenal scrummager. He displayed his versatility by running over an opponent, making crucial tackles, and turning over the ball. His outstanding performance earned him praise from all corners.
Bulls ft. Editor's Choice Lions Manie Libbok ** News Rugby Sharks Stormers United Rugby Championship Quintin van Jaarsveld**
Quintin van Jaarsveld, a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year and former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year, is a seasoned sports journalist. He has an impressive 15+ years of experience, including stints as the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com.
- Siya Kolisi's exceptional performance in the United Rugby Championship (URC) earned him the Player of the Week honor, outshining numerous other outstanding players in the thrilling weekend of sports.
- In the same URC weekend, the Sharks snatched a victory over the Stormers with a 21-15 triumph, while the Bulls outmuscled Connacht 28-14 despite losing a player to a red card.
- Aphelele Fassi, a Sharks player, was named the Man of the Match after his top-notch performance, contributing a try assist, clean breaks, and a try-saving intercept.
- In the European leagues, Manchester United's stunning comeback secured a 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, showcasing exceptional resilience.
- With his solid all-round effort and seamless goal-kicking, Johan Goosen clinched the nod for the best 10 in the URC Dream Team, despite Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's impressive debut.
- Despite missing the first game due to an injury, Cameron Hanekom, stepping in for the Bulls, proved to be an absolute workhorse, making a team-best 15 tackles in his return.
![Lena Oberdorf is not affiliated with the EM. [No photograph included]](/en/img/20250608120041_pexels-image-search-headline-image-description.jpeg?width=1280&crop=4-3&quality=75)
