JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in the 18th round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.
The Sharks scored a late try to beat the Stormers 12-9 at Newlands and advance to the playoffs. Just when it appeared as if the Cape side had done enough to clinch the result and a quarter-final spot, Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am sliced through the defensive line to score a campaign-changing try.
Up at Loftus Versfeld, the Vodacom Bulls hammered the Lions 48-27 to earn their place in the knockout round. The forward performance was especially impressive, which is why several of the Bulls’ heavies have made this week’s team.
Openside flank Marco van Staden made a big impact at the collisions and breakdowns. Lock RG Snyman contested well at the lineouts to disrupt and ultimately stifle the Lions’ attack.
Flyhalf Handré Pollard took some excellent decisions behind a dominant pack, while centre Burger Odendaal and wing Cornal Hendricks made big contributions in the wider channels.
Blindside flank Johan du Toit shone in a losing effort for the Stormers. Sharks forwards Dan du Preez and Ruben van Heerden also made an impression at the gainline in the coastal derby.
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 18)
15. Warrick Gelant (Bulls)
14. Sbu Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Burger Odendaal (Bulls)
11. Cornal Hendricks (Bulls)
10. Handré Pollard (Bulls)
9. André Warner (Bulls)
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Johan du Toit (Stormers)
6. Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5. RG Snyman (Bulls)
4. Ruben van Heerden (Sharks)
3. Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
2. Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers)
1. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 17)
15. Divan Rossouw (Bulls)
14. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
13. JJ Engelbrecht (Stormers)
12. Burger Odendaal (Bulls)
11. Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions)
10. Handre Pollard (Bulls)
9. Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8. Jaco Coetzee (Stormers)
7. Johan du Toit (Stormers)
6. Ruan Steenkamp (Bulls)
5. RG Snyman (Bulls)
4. Jason Jenkins (Bulls)
3. Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2. Schalk Brits (Bulls)
1. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
