JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in the eighth round of Vodacom Super Rugby.
The Sharks smashed the Lions 42-5 on Friday to end a five-year drought at Ellis Park. The Stormers went down 24-12 in Brisbane on Saturday, while the Bulls faded badly in the second stanza to lose 22-20 to the Jaguares in Pretoria.
The Sharks forwards, inspired by record-breaker Beast Mtawarira – playing in his 157th Super Rugby game – dominated at the set pieces and collisions. Mtawarira, Hyron Andrews and several others were as prominent with ball in hand as they were in the trenches.
The Sharks backs showed plenty of attacking intent despite the wet conditions. Curwin Bosch beat nine defenders, made two clean breaks and contributed with three try assists. Lukhanyo Am is another who created opportunities for the Sharks – finishing one himself – while Makazole Mapimpi crossed the tryline twice.
Duane Vermeulen led the physical charge in the battle against the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld. That said, Dan du Preez deserves special mention for his robust efforts against the Lions at Ellis Park.
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 8)
15. Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
14. Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11. Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
10. Manie Libbok (Bulls)
9. Louis Schreuder (Sharks)
8. Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
7. Jacques Vermeulen (Sharks)
6. Luke Stringer (Sharks)
5. Hyron Andrews (Sharks)
4. Marvin Orie (Lions)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2. Kerron van Vuuren (Sharks)
1. Beast Mtawarira (Sharks)
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 7)
15. Damian Willemse (Stormers)
14. Sergeal Petersen (Stormers)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Burger Odendaal (Bulls)
11. Dillyn Leyds (Stormers)
10. Handré Pollard (Bulls)
9. Embrose Papier (Bulls)
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
6. Jaco Coetzee (Stormers)
5. Eli Snyman (Bulls)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2. Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers)
1. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)
*The Lions had a bye in round seven
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
