CRAIG LEWIS picks a South African XV based on performances in the 15th round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.
The Stormers backed up their draw against the Crusaders with another classy 34-22 victory against the Highlanders on Saturday.
Sanzaar’s statistics reveal just how influential standout centre Damian de Allende was, with the Springbok racking up 117m, 19 carries and completing 11 tackles.
Young Herschel Jantjies also produced yet another vibrant performance. Besides scoring a superb try, the talented halfback made 57m and three clean breaks.
Statistically, there were also standout performers from the Sharks’ backs. Of course, one has to bear in mind that Makazole Mapimpi and Curwin Bosch racked up plenty of metres from intercept tries, but they both finished with over 100 metres made. Respectively, the duo also beat six and seven defenders.
S’bu Nkosi produced an influential performance too, making 74m, five carries and beating four defenders. It’s almost cruel that he just edges out Seabelo Senatla in this selection, though, as the Blitzboks flyer also enjoyed a standout game against the Highlanders.
Among the forwards, the Du Preez twins Dan and Jean-Luc produced big defensive efforts, as did front-rowers Coenie Oosthuizen (10 tackles) and Kerron van Vuuren (12) in what was a dominant performance up front from the Sharks.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a day to remember for the Vodacom Bulls against the Brumbies on Friday, although flanks Hanro Liebenberg and Paul Schoeman did get through a lot of work. For the Lions, Lionel Mapoe was a standout despite the team’s defeat in Durban.
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 15)
15. Damian Willemse (Stormers)
14. S’bu Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lionel Mapoe (Lions)
12. Damian de Allende (Stormers)
11. Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
10. Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9. Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Siya Kolisi (Stormers)
5. Ruan Botha (Sharks)
4. Cobus Wiese (Stormers)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks)
2. Kerron van Vuuren (Sharks)
1. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 14)
15. Warrick Gelant (Bulls)
14. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
13. Lionel Mapoe (Lions)
12. Burger Odendaal (Bulls)
11. Rosko Specman (Bulls)
10. Handré Pollard (Bulls)
9. Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8. Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
7. Siya Kolisi (Stormers)
6. Kwagga Smith (Lions)
5. RG Snyman (Bulls)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
3. Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2. Schalk Brits (Bulls)
1. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)
The Sharks had a bye in round 14
Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
