JON CARDINELLI identifies the standout South African performers in round six of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

It was an important weekend for a couple of South African teams. The Sharks beat the Jaguares in Durban to move to the top of the overall Super Rugby log. The Vodacom Bulls fought hard to down the Highlanders in Pretoria and end their four-game losing streak.

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There were some tough calls to make in the forwards and in the back three this week. Lions tighthead prop Carlu Sadie produced an impressive showing at the scrum and breakdown in a losing cause Down Under. In the end, one couldn’t look past the scrummaging efforts of Trevor Nyakane at Loftus Versfeld – and indeed the displays of a few others in that Bulls pack.

Jaco Visagie made important contributions at the set pieces and around the park. Rookie lock Ruan Nortje won 10 lineouts off the Bulls’ throw and stole one off the Highlanders’.

Tyler Paul had another strong game on the blindside for the Sharks. Josh Strauss, however, produced a monumental shift for the Bulls as a ball-carrier in the second stanza.

Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Ox Nche continue to add value across various departments for the Sharks. Hyron Andrews is another who is having a strong season with the resurgent side.

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Louis Schreuder and Curwin Bosch executed the Sharks’ kick-chase strategy to perfection. The former has come in for some stick over the past few games, but few will argue that he played a key role in one of the biggest wins of the campaign.

André Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am continue to show why they are South Africa’s form centre pairing based in South Africa. Esterhuizen brings a lot of power to that No 12 role. On Saturday, he showcased his ability to shift the ball quickly and free up his teammates.

S’bu Nkosi was magnificent under the high ball during the early stages of the clash at Kings Park. It was tempting to include Warrick Gelant in this back three, too, as the fullback was influential in the win in Pretoria.

One couldn’t omit Aphelele Fassi, though, on the back of an electric performance against the Jaguares. Rosko Specman worked hard for his hat-trick against the Highlanders and beats Bulls teammate Cornal Hendricks for a spot here.

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 6)*
15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
14 S’bu Nkosi (Sharks)
13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12 André Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11 Rosko Specman (Bulls)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Louis Schreuder (Sharks)
8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)
7 Josh Strauss (Bulls)
6 James Venter (Sharks)
5 Hyron Andrews (Sharks)
4 Ruan Nortje (Bulls)
3 Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2 Jaco Visagie (Bulls)
1 Ox Nche (Sharks)
*The Stormers had a bye in round six

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 5)
15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
14 Madosh Tambwe (Sharks)
13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12 André Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11 Rosko Specman (Bulls)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Louis Schreuder (Sharks)
8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)
7 Marco van Staden (Bulls)
6 Dylan Richardson (Sharks)
5 JD Schickerling (Stormers)
4 Hyron Andrews (Sharks)
3 Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
2 Kerron van Vuuren (Sharks)
1 Ox Nche (Sharks)