JON CARDINELLI picks a form South African XV based on performances in round 11 of Super Rugby.
The Lions scored seven tries in their resounding 47-10 win against the Rebels in Melbourne. Meanwhile in Durban, the Sharks produced a powerful performance to subdue the Force.
Eight Lions and six Sharks have been included in this week's form team. Only one player from the other South African sides on show has made the cut.
REVIEW: Lions, Sharks fly SA flag
Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am showcased the full extent of his skills in the game against the Force. The No 13 made 125m with ball in hand, completed 11 tackles, and produced a well-weighted grubber kick that led to a try.
There's bound to be some debate around the selections at right wing and flyhalf. Sergeal Petersen carried for 125m and scored a try for the Cheetahs. His defence was less impressive, though, as he missed as many as five tackles. Over in Melbourne. Sylvian Mahuza made the most of a rare opportunity to start, rushing for 158m and scoring a great individual try.
Elton Jantjies blew hot and cold against the Rebels. The Lions flyhalf slotted six conversions and distributed well. Yet he was targeted by the Rebels ball-carriers, and missed four tackles.
The Sharks have made a habit out of hiding Curwin Bosch on defence. On Saturday, the youngster was asked to make just two tackles against the Force (he missed one). However, Bosch made a significant contribution in other areas, and finished with a personal tally of 20 points.
Warren Whiteley's excellent passing game came to the fore in the Lions' big win in Melbourne. Daniel du Preez produced a more traditional performance in Durban, though, making 15 tackles (five of those being listed as dominant hits).
Ox Nche made some good metres on attack (42) in the match against the Highlanders in Bloemfontein, but missed four tackles. Lions loosehead Jacques van Rooyen actually made more metres with ball in hand (66) against the Rebels and was more dependable at the scrum and on defence.
Over in Wellington, Jan de Klerk put in a big defensive shift for the Stormers against the Hurricanes (11 tackles). The lock also won five lineouts.
SA FORM XV (ROUND 11)*
15. Andries Coetzee (Lions)
14. Sylvian Mahuza (Lions)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Harold Vorster (Lions)
11. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
10. Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9. Ross Cronje (Lions)
8. Daniel du Preez (Sharks)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Phillip van der Walt (Sharks)
5. Franco Mostert (Lions)
4. Jan de Klerk (Stormers)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Jacques van Rooyen (Lions)
*The Kings had a bye in round 11
SA FORM XV (ROUND 10)
15. Masixole Banda (Kings)
14. Makazole Mapimpi (Kings)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Nico Lee (Cheetahs)
11. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
10. Lionel Cronjé (Kings)
9. Louis Schreuder (Kings)
8. Andisa Ntsila (Kings)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Chris Cloete (Kings)
5. Franco Mostert (Lions)
4. Ruan Botha (Sharks)
3. Ruan Dreyer (Lions)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
