DYLAN JACK identifies the standout South African players based on performances in the fifth round of Super Rugby Unlocked.
The Sharks battled the seasonal Durban humidity and scored a late try to beat the Cheetahs 19-13 on Friday evening. On Saturday, the Stormers managed to rediscover their attacking edge as they scored six tries to claim a 39-6 win over Griquas in Kimberley. Meanwhile, the Vodacom Bulls fought back after a poor first half to win the Gauteng derby against the Lions 30-25 after a much-improved second-half performance in Johannesburg.
Warrick Gelant and Angelo Davids – who was making his Stormers debut – are two of three Stormers players in this week’s team after both players made the most of the space they were afforded against Griquas. Juarno Augustus is also included after finding his best form and putting in a typically bullish performance at No 8.
There are four Lions players in the team – three of those in the pack which dominated the Bulls in the first half – while Wandisile Simelane retains his place from last week after another good performance, where he beat 10 defenders and scored a wonderful solo try off a counter-attack against the Bulls.
The Bulls contribute four players to the team, with Travis Ismaiel their only back after his man-of-the-match performance, where he gave the Lions outside backs a torrid time in the air. Nizaam Carr, who made a good impact in the unfamiliar position of blindside flank with 10 tackles, features alongside Marco van Staden and Jason Jenkins in the pack.
As for the Sharks, they also contribute four players, including halfback pair Curwin Bosch and Sanele Nohamba, who handled the problematic humid conditions very well, while Marius Louw, who made 14 carries at inside centre, and Ox Nche both also feature.
SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 5)
15 Warrick Gelant (Stormers)
14 Travis Ismaiel (Bulls)
13 Wandisile Simelane (Lions)
12 Marius Louw (Sharks)
11 Angelo Davids (Stormers)
10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9 Sanele Nohamba (Sharks)
8 Juarno Augustus (Stormers)
7 Nizaam Carr (Bulls)
6 Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5 Marvin Orie (Lions)
4 Jason Jenkins (Bulls)
3 Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2 Jaco Visagie (Lions)
1 Ox Nche (Sharks)
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
