Weekly Selection of Outstanding Players in United Rugby Championship - Round 6
Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams lit up a turbulent weekend for South African teams in the United Rugby Championship, securing victories for the Bulls and Sharks while the Lions and Stormers fell short in their quests, reports Quintin van Jaarsveld in this no-holds-barred take.
The Bulls narrowly clutched a wet win against Benetton in Italy with late heroics from David Kriel, while the Sharks overpowered Munster in Durban. However, the Stormers suffered a 28-17 defeat to Glasgow Warriors and the Lions lost to Leinster, leaving them pondering their performances after Round Six.
Williams is deservingly our Player of the Week, causing headaches for Munster throughout the game with his electrifying displays of sheer grit and agility. His stunning try in the first minute, stunning support work, and defensive prowess showcased an exceptional performance worthy of Man of the Match.
Our Team of the Week features nine Sharks players, along with three Stormers, two Lions, and a solitary Bulls representative. Here's a breakdown of the standouts from the South African sides:
15. Aphelele Fassi (Sharks) - A dream opener for the Sharks! Fassi snatched a try inside the opening minute, displaying fantastic teamwork with Makazole Mapimpi and some crafty footwork. He demonstrated impressive defensive skills in tackles on Craig Casey and Calvin Nash, winning a turnover.
14. Eduan Keyter (Sharks) -kovich Weekend for local wingers, but Keyter was the beacon of light. While the ball didn't find him often, his tireless work rate shone brightly, with two crucial turnovers and effective aerial prowess.
13. Henco van Wyk (Lions) -Van Wyk proved tough to bring down and a dangerous presence, thanks to his smart chip, sensational defensive plays, and a textbook breakdown penalty.
12. David Kriel (Bulls) - A cool customer under pressure! Kriel secured the win for the Bulls with a late, difficult conversion and was a commanding force throughout. His five successful carries, impressive penalty win, and crucial scoring conversions earlier in the game set the Bulls on their way to victory.
11. Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks) - A weapon on the loose! Mapimpi racked up an staggering 123 meters, showing blistering speed to beat defenders and make crucial contributions to the Sharks' tries.
10. Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks) -Hendrikse leaves no doubt about his talent! Brimming with energy, he excelled on attack and boasted flawless goal-kicking, racking up 16 points for the Sharks.
9. Grant Williams (Sharks) -The master of chaos! Williams' breathtaking performances have sent tremors through the URC, with his fleet-footed runs, solid support, and crucial defensive plays underpinning his selection as our Player of the Week.
8. Keke Morabe (Stormers) -Juggernaut on a mission! Morabe continued his scintillating form, showcasing his power as a ball carrier and strong defensive presence throughout the match.
7. Vincent Tshituka (Sharks) - Unrelenting machine! Tshituka delivered an all-action performance, chalking up line breaks, vital cover tackles, and a thundering try from a charged-down kick.
6. JC Pretorius (Lions) -Master of all trades! Pretorius was omnipresent throughout the game, excelling as a jackal, winning turnovers, and orchestrating a robust defensive effort.
5. Ruben van Heerden (Stormers) -Ironman – a name that fits! Van Heerden was an unstoppable force across every corner of the pitch, excelling in defense with a team-high 11 tackles and showing his skill orchestrating the lineout.
4. Eben Etzebeth (Sharks) - Top-notch in every aspect! Etzebeth dominated with strong carries, offloads, impressive scrum work, and relentless defense, epitomizing the ideal Sharks player.
3. Frans Malherbe (Stormers) -Big and brutal, just the way we like it! Malherbe's impressive showing included winning two scrum penalties and putting in some solid shifts in the trenches.
2. Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks) -Embrace the power! Mbonambi's explosive performances in the loose and tight set pieces cemented his status as a valuable Sharks asset.
1. Ox Nche (Sharks) -Armed and dangerous! Nche dazzled with a long pass setting up Mapimpi's try and showcasing dominance at scrum time, capping off his performance with a game-high 12 tackles.
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Don't forget to check out the official United Rugby Championship website or other reliable rugby news sources for the latest updates on the standings and match results. Keep it locked with Quintin Van Jaarsveld, a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, as he brings you the lowdown on everything rugby!
The Sharks dominated the URC with Grant Williams being named Player of the Week for his exceptional performance against Munster, securing a victory for his team. Our Team of the Week boasts nine Sharks players, highlighting their impressive success in the last few fixtures. Fans can catch subsequent rugby games on Bet Now: Rugby, while keeping up with the latest standings and results on the official United Rugby Championship website.
