JON CARDINELLI identifies the standout South African players based on performances in the seventh round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.
It’s hard to know when and even if the 2020 Super Rugby tournament will resume. For now, all we know is that Sanzaar has suspended matches due to rising concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
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The Sharks go into the unplanned break at the top of the overall standings. They’ve been the best South African side on show this season, and the consistency of the individual players has been reflected in these weekly selections.
Credit must go to the Sharks pack for the part they played in the 24-14 win over the Stormers in Durban. Thomas du Toit was particularly influential at the breakdown, and fought a titanic contest against his Springbok teammate Steven Kitshoff at the scrum.
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Much of the battle played out at close quarters. Sikhumbuzo Notshe was largely outshone by opposite number Juarno Augustus, who used his brute strength to win some important breakdown turnovers and punch through the Sharks defence.
Andre Esterhuizen was at his abrasive best in midfield. Sanele Nohamba made a few errors after replacing Louis Schreuder early in the game, but otherwise was sharp and accurate.
Curwin Bosch continues to make big plays in important games. While criticism of his defence is justified, the manner in which he put Aphelele Fassi away for that try in the first half must be celebrated. His ability to kick long-range penalties was evident when he sunk a 58m monster at a crucial moment in the second stanza.
The Stormers forwards played well in patches, with Kitshoff, Augustus and Salmaan Moerat providing grunt at the gainline. The Cape side managed to frustrate the Sharks at the lineout on Saturday, and sack the hosts’ maul on more than one occasion.
The Bulls fired and then faded to lose 41-17 in Brisbane. Rosko Specman, who scored a hat-trick last week, made an impression on attack in the first stanza.
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 7)
15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
14 Rosko Specman (Bulls)
13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12 Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11 Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Sanele Nohamba (Sharks)
8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)
7 Juarno Augustus (Stormers)
6 James Venter (Sharks)
5 Ruben van Heerden (Sharks)
4 Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
3 Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
2 Kerron van Vuuren (Sharks)
1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 6)*
15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
14 Sbu Nkosi (Sharks)
13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12 Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11 Rosko Speckman (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
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
