Weekly South African URC Squad Highlights - Round 13
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Lions were left pondering what could've been as they suffered a 20-17 defeat against Cardiff in the Welsh capital on a frigid Friday night. Local franchises claimed crucial victories on Saturday, with the Sharks and Bulls narrowly escaping defeat after last-gasp kicks. The Durbanites clinched a thrilling 35-34 victory over Zebre at Kings Park, while the men from Pretoria edged Leinster 21-20 at Loftus Versfeld, ending the Irish giants' unbeaten streak. The Stormers sprinted to a 29-17 win in Llanelli.
Our Team of the Week boasts a mix of five Sharks, four Bulls, four Stormers, and a pair of Lions.
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15 – Warrick Gelant (Stormers)wiper boy, but he hit the mark in a big way. In top form with crucial touches leading up to his team's first two tries, Gelant also shone on defense, winning three turnovers.
14 – Richard Kriel (Lions)It seemed like Sebastian de Klerk's name was meant to be in the starting lineup, but he nearly cost the Bulls the game with his senseless red card for taking Tommy O'Brien out in the air, paving the way for Kriel to step into the spotlight.
13 – David Kriel (Bulls)The other Kriel brother ran like the wind, created a try-scoring chance with a blistering clean break, and was the Bulls' hero with his clutch match-winning penalty.
12 – Ethan Hooker (Sharks)Hooker grew into the game and took full advantage of the opportunity when it mattered most. He bulldozed a would-be tackler, Giovanni Montemauri, backward, displayed his versatility by seamlessly transitioning to the wing, and finished in style as time expired.
11 – Leolin Zas (Stormers)Zas put in a lot of hard work on the wing, scored a ripper of a try from a lineout move, and snatched a crucial intercept to relieve pressure in the final three minutes. He finished the match with a team-high three clean breaks and 70 meters.
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)The 2024/2025 South African Young Player of the Year kicked off a Man of the Match performance in his first game back from a long injury layoff.
9 – Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks)When compared to other local scrumhalves, Hendrikse stood out for his well-rounded effort in Round 13.
8 – Siya Kolisi (Sharks)Kolisi put together a quality Man of the Match performance, starting with a fourth-minute try and providing the spark his team needed to regain the lead with a superb solo score. He led the team in successful carries (8) and defenders beaten (4), and his leadership helped the Durbanites avoid disaster.
7 – Ruan Venter (Lions)At no point did Venter slow down, making an eye-catching 11 successful carries. With his powerful leg drive, it often took more than one defender to take him down. He also made a dominant tackle that led to an essential turnover in the 55th minute.
6 – Marcell Coetzee (Bulls)Pure muscle and grit. Coetzee delivered the Bulls a strong, no-nonsense presence, leading by example on defense with a team-high 11 tackles, including a big hit on Jordie Barrett.
5 – Ruben van Heerden (Stormers)The Stormers' unsung hero, Van Heerden, put in an extraordinary effort in Round 13. The mobile second-rower made an unprecedented 16 tackles and shone in the set pieces.
4 – Ruan Vermaak (Bulls)Reliable across the board, Vermaak made a crucial tackle to save a try, highlighted his busy open play, and poached a lineout throw in the 36th minute.
3 – Mornay Smith (Bulls)Smith, a super-sub, reminded everyone that the big man will always remember. He scored a try that got the Bulls back in the game and delivered an impressive performance in the scrums, earning the penalty that sealed the victory for his team from Pretoria.
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks)Accurate and powerful, Mbonambi was a force to be reckoned with. The Sharks' lineout ran like a well-oiled machine thanks to his pinpoint precision, and his power shone in the scrums and on defense.
1 – Ox Nche (Sharks)Nche was nothing short of amazing in every aspect of the game. He dominated in the scrums, impressed with his powerful carries, and showed off his soft touches, contributing to Jurenzo Julius' try with a slick pass. He also made a good cover tackle, leading to a turnover.
A former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, Quintin Van Jaarsveld boasts over 15 years of experience as a freelance sports writer.
[1] Round 13, Sharks v Zebre Parma match report[2] Playmaker Rankings: Tom Farrell tops list as Warrick Gelant impresses[3] Stats highlight Connacht’s Munster masterclass[4] Swifty Jack Walsh records quickest try against Ospreys[5] Connacht 0-64 Munster: Robbie Henshaw stars as academy players shine
Note: The provided enrichment data has been carefully integrated into the article to highlight performance insights and player achievements from other games or seasons related to the topic, while maintaining the focus on Round 13.
- Brien got the spotlight when Sebastian de Klerk was sent off, shining for the Lions after the senseless red card.
- On a chilly Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, David Kriel, the other Kriel brother, ran like the wind for the Bulls, creating a try-scoring chance and scoring the clutch match-winning penalty.
- In a heartbreaking defeat against Cardiff, the Lions' Warrick Gelant, despite being a winger, hit the mark in a big way with crucial touches leading to his team's first two tries, winning three turnovers, and shone on defense.
- Jaden Hendrikse, the Sharks' scrumhalf, stood out in Round 13 with a well-rounded effort, impressing in the lineouts, scrums, and open play.
