SA Team of the Week (Round 6)

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

Clinical kick-chase sets Sharks apart

The Sharks’ crack defensive system and kicking plan has earned them more tries than any other South African team as well as top spot on the log, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Boks can continue world rugby rise

Rassie Erasmus’ commitment to the Springbok cause will ensure rivals in world rugby remain on high alert, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Depth key to Boks’ sustained success

Jacques Nienaber will reap short and long-term benefits by selecting an A and B side across five international matches in July, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Lions defence must show its teeth

The Lions need to lift their work rate and execution on defence if they are to retain their unbeaten record against the attack-minded Rebels, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Sharks pack set for Jaguares test

The Sharks’ match against the Jaguares will act as an acid test of their capabilities against premier sides in the tournament such as the Crusaders, Chiefs and even Brumbies, writes former Springbok JAMES DALTON.

Fassi’s on the fast track

Providing rising star Aphelele Fassi with national exposure this July makes perfect sense in terms of timing, rewarding form and long-term thinking, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

The beauty of rugby

Rugby’s beauty is in its low reliance on technological innovation to be truly great, writes RYAN VREDE.

Blunt Bulls searching for spark

The Vodacom Bulls need to produce an attacking performance of substance before they embark on a challenging four-match tour of Australasia, writes JON CARDINELLI.

SA Team of the Week (Round 5)

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