Weekly Selection of Notable Players in the United Rugby Championship – Round 6
On a soggy weekend across the United Rugby Championship, only two South African teams emerged victorious. The Bulls snatched a defeat from the jaws of defeat in Italy, while the Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams led Durban to a resounding win against Munster. Meanwhile, the Stormers and Lions came up short in their respective battles against Glasgow Warriors and table-toppers Leinster.
Quintin van Jaarsveld gives us the lowdown on the top performers from Round 6, starting with the Sharks' flying winger, Aphelele Fassi. The speedster opened the scoring with a try inside the opening minute, and his impact extended beyond the try line with excellent tackles and a turnover secured. Moving to right wing, Eduan Keyter of the Sharks was the standout player, contributing with his tireless work rate and effective aerial skills.
Henco van Wyk of the Lions showcased an impressive display in defense, earning himself a spot in this week's team of the week. One of his most notable moments was a spectacular effort to deny James Lowe a try, while he also won a crucial penalty in a key moment of the match.
David Kriel was, of course, the hero for the Bulls, kicking the winning conversion with just minutes remaining. He was instrumental throughout the game, making dazzling runs, winning vital penalties, and converting the crucial tries that sealed the victory.
In the back three, the Stormers' Makazole Mapimpi and the Sharks' Jordan Hendrikse both excelled. Mapimpi was a constant threat, racking up an impressive 123 meters with his blistering pace. Hendrikse, on the other hand, dazzled with his attacking prowess, both as a ball carrier and distributor.
In the halves, Grant Williams earned the coveted 'Player of the Week' title with a phenomenal performance against Munster. His lightning-fast break set up Fassi's try in the opening minute, and his extraordinary energy put the Irish side on the back foot throughout the match. Keke Morabe (Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), JC Pretorius (Lions), Ruben van Heerden (Stormers), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), and Ox Nche (Sharks) round out the team of the week with their impressive performances in the forwards.
Source: Quintin van Jaarsveld, Rugby JournalistEnrichment Data: Quintin van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. He has over 15 years of experience as a sports writer and currently works as a freelance sports journalist.
- Despite a soggy weekend in the United Rugby Championship, the Sharks' Grant Williams coolly secured a 'Player of the Week' title, his lightning-fast break setting up Aphelele Fassi's try and putting Munster on the back foot throughout the match.
- In Round 6, Jordan Hendrikse of the Sharks dazzled with his attacking prowess, while Makazole Mapimpi of the Stormers was a constant threat, racking up an impressive 123 meters with his blistering pace.
- In the forwards, Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ruben van Heerden (Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), and JC Pretorius (Lions) all had impressive performances.
- Henco van Wyk of the Lions displayed an impressive defense, earning himself a spot in this week's team of the week, as he denied James Lowe a try and won a crucial penalty.
- David Kriel of the Bulls was the hero in their victory, kicking the winning conversion with just minutes remaining, and his instrumental role throughout the game included dazzling runs, winning vital penalties, and converting crucial tries.
