JON CARDINELLI selects a South African XV based on performances in the third round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

The Sharks went down in disappointing fashion to the Hurricanes on Saturday. The Stormers managed to steal a late win against the Lions and maintain their position at the top of the conference standings.

Last week’s SA XV was stacked with Sharks, but due to late withdrawals, injuries and a host of inconsistent performances, only one Durban-based player – Lukhanyo Am – has made the cut on this occasion. Special mention should also go to another outside centre in Ruhan Nel, though, who scored the match-winner at Ellis Park.

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The Lions managed to pressure the Stormers at the lineout on Saturday – with Marvin Orie winning eight lineouts on his own ball and two on the opposition’s. The Stormers had the upper hand at the scrum, however. The visitors’ starting front row also had a big impact around the park.

The starting loose trio combined for 43 of the team’s 143 tackles. Pieter-Steph du Toit’s work rate was once again exceptional. The Springbok No 7 made 20 tackles at Ellis Park.

Trokkie Augustus was equally impressive on attack and defence. In his first start of the 2020 season, the No 8 showed his strength to score from close range in the first half and then his skills and awareness to create another try in the second.

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Godlen Masimla emulated the injured Herschel Jantjies when he intercepted and then raced away to score. Sergeal Petersen produced some excellent touches, the most significant of which set Ruhan Nel up for the winning try.

The Lions back division was impresive for much of the contest, though. Andries Coetzee beat 12 defenders over the course of the game and was on hand to finish an important try in the first half.

Elton Jantjies made key contributions across the board. Courtnall Skosan scored from a well-directed Jantjies cross-kick. The Springbok flyhalf varied his game well and finished the contest with 15 points.

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 3)*
15 Andries Coetzee (Lions)
14 Sergeal Petersen (Stormers)
13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12 Dan Kriel (Lions)
11 Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
10 Elton Jantjies (Lions)
9 Godlen Masimla (Stormers)
8 Juarno Augustus (Stormers)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6 Johan du Toit (Stormers)
5 Marvin Orie (Lions)
4 Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
3 Wilco Louw (Stormers)
2 Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers)
1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
*The Vodacom Bulls had a bye in Round 3

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 2)
15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
14 Tyrone Green (Lions)
13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12 Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11 Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6 James Venter (Sharks)
5 Hyron Andrews (Sharks)
4 Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
3 Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2 Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers)
1 Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)

Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images