Weekly Select of United Rugby Championship Squad – Round 3 (SA) Highlights Top Performers in Week's Matches
In the third round of the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Bulls secured the most representative spots in the team of the week, under the guidance of coach Jake White. On Saturday, the Bulls dominated Zebre, winning 54-29 in Parma, making them the only South African side to taste victory.
The coastal teams endured disappointing outcomes during this round, with the Stormers falling 20-9 to the Warriors in Glasgow, the Sharks conceding a 19-5 defeat to the Ospreys in their first URC game in London, and the Lions losing 15-10 to Benetton in Treviso.
Ten Bulls players, including hat-trick hero David Kriel, were chosen to feature in our team of the week. Three Sharks earned selection, representing a trio of players from the Stormers and Lions completing the lineup.
Rugby Betting
Devon Williams of the Bulls shone in Italy. His free-flowing play led to a bonus-point try and a late second score. At outside wing, Werner Kok from the Sharks excelled with perseverance, fending off multiple defenders throughout the game and contributing a try assist.
Elusive runner Stedman Gans of the Bulls, occupied the center positions. He challenged the defense with his speed and footwork, and created opportunities with a successful offload and a try assist for Sergeal Petersen.
David Kriel of the Bulls was named "Player of the Week." After moving from the wing to inside center, he produced a commanding performance, gaining advantage over the try line, setting up a try for Williams, and scoring three tries. Sergeal Petersen, another Bulls debutant, left a mark on the scoresheet, contributing an assist for Kriel and securing a try for himself.
Johan Goosen, Bulls' playmaker, maintained a polished performance, expertly controlling the game with penetrative runs, astute cross kicks, and accurate goal kicks that kept the Bulls ahead of the resilient Italians. Scrumhalf Zak Burger led the Bulls with a break that resulted in Petersen's try, a clever pop leading to a bonus-point try, and a total of 12 points scored.
Recent rookie Cameron Hanekom from the Bulls demonstrated his poise with three turnovers, making 100% of his tackles, and displaying impressive tackle fighting skills. Phepsi Buthelezi of the Sharks contributed a clean break, speedy try score, strong collisions, and a turnover.
Ruan Nortje put his endurance on display, completing a wealth of tasks as the URC's inaugural ironman, while Ben-Jason Dixon, Akker van der Merwe, and Asenathi Ntlabakanye made significant contributions to their respective teams. Simphiwe Matanzima's performance in the scrum, general play, and defense stood out for the Bulls.
- Although rugby took center stage this week with the United Rugby Championship, football was not left out as well, as the Premier League, one of the European-leagues, witnessed intense battles.
- Despite the strong performances from players like Devon Williams of the Bulls and Werner Kok from the Sharks in Italy, rugby isn't the only sport grabbing attention, as the premier-league football matches are also keeping fans on the edges of their seats.
- The Bulls' dominance in rugby doesn't deter from the excitement in football leagues, as players like David Kriel continue to shine in the Premier League, with his standout performance earning him the "Player of the Week" title, just as he did in rugby.
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