An amazing round of Super Rugby that saw the Jaguares jubilant, the Stormers stun the Crusaders, the Bulls victorious and a great weekend for South African rugby.
15. Emiliano Boffelli
He made 100 metres and was always a threat for the Argentine outfit.
14. Caleb Clare
He was great for the Blues in their important win over the Chiefs. Excellent in defence and handy in attack as well.
13. Braydon Ennor
He continues his eye-catching campaign. He scored one try and nearly set up another were it not for the television match official.
12. Samu Kerevi
He captained his side well even though they went down to the Tahs. A tackle-busting machine who helped get his team on the front foot at Suncorp.
(AAP Image/Dan Peled)
11. Rosko Specman
He bagged a brace against the Rebels in a dynamite display. Specman showed smarts and speed in Melbourne. Ramiro Moyano was also electric for the Jags.
10. Handre Polland
He marshalled his troops well in the surprise Bulls win. He kicked three conversions and two penalties in the great 32-17 result. Bernard Foley and Elton Jantjies also had some very nice touches for their sides.
9. Tomas Cubelli
He was effective in the Jags stunning victory. Cubelli provided excellent service to his No. 10, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla. Nick Phipps also caught the eye at times.
8. Michael Wells
He crossed twice for the Tahs in their derby result against the Reds. The 26-year-old doesn’t have much Super Rugby experience but he was jolly on the spot this weekend. A toss-up as Kwagga Smith was also brilliant for the Lions.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
He was outstanding for the Stormers, laying the foundation for his side in their epic draw. He didn’t shirk his duties against a talented Crusaders pack.
6. Dalton Papalii
He put on a stormer against the Chiefs. Bullied them with some tough carries.
5. Tom Franklin
He crossed for a try and made a nuisance of himself despite the Highlanders going down.
4. Sam Whitelock
The Crusaders lock got his hands dirty and offered plenty against the Stormers.
3. Sekope Kepu
He rolled back the years with a big performance and pulled off some big hits in D.
2. Malcolm Marx
He makes the team of week again after another great display for the Lions. He’s having a sensational season.
1. Alex Hodgman
He came up trumps in a real dogfight at Eden Park. The prop was formidable in the scrum and prodigious in the lineout.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Neutral refs Fionn. Perhaps the team of the week should include officials of the week. Would be hard to pick that most weeks. Nowadays the first thing I look for in my tipping is who is officiating.
Rusty
Roar Guru
I would have thought the 8. for the Bulls - Vermuelen would have been a better call. Boks backrow is starting to look very very good and abrasive.. weakest link is probably the captain Kolisi as his form has been below par of recent. Looks to also be coming good though. So a Kolisi, Steph du Toit and Vermuelen trio with backups of Kwagga, Whiteley. Never mind the conveyor belt of locks and Marx at hooker.. But then again - forward has never been much of an issue for the Boks...
Neel
Roar Guru
Du Toit plays for the Stormers Johno, but gee he is a beast. The Jaguares seem to be getting better and that performance against the Canes was brilliant. Caleb Clarke and Dalton Papali’i are two talented youngsters. Papali’i along with Tom Robinson are definitely, in my opinion future All Blacks if they can maintain consistent performances over the next couple of seasons.
Neel
Roar Guru
It’s a rare sight mate. Enjoy while it lasts.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Frankly mate, I wouldn't have thought we needed one. To fair to these guys Fionn, mistakes happen and I'm a believer in playing them out of the game anyway. We call it the 2007 mantra over here. But the Lions have benefited from a count that is very much the numbers posted by Piri, and against different teams. And that smells like a bucket of prawns left in the sun. And the damned TMO's need to be muzzled unless it's a case of serious misconduct or a specific request from the Referee.
BBA
Guest
I think it was in the phrasing and that he had made up his mind. He should have said potential forward pass he should have then stated what the facts were and what the key issue was for the referee so that the ref can make a decision. If the ref doesn't then he should have volunteered his opinion. In this case the facts was the pass went forward but I think the issue is whether the ball left the players hands in a backward motion. If between the ref and video ref they decide that the ball has gone forward then at least the decision would be transparent and we would know why it was deemed a forward pass (did Jonkers solely base this on the fact the ball travelled forward or did he adjudge that it left Ennors hand forward, if it was the latter honestly I don't think it was clear and obvious so was surprised it was overturned). So my gripe was the procedures that were followed seemed inconsistent with guidelines that others have followed.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Honestly, what is the solution?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
His performances week in and week out. Kerevi is our best 12, and potentially the best 12 in the world I think, while Kuridrani is our best 13. There isn't even a debate on this anymore, surely? Just pick guys in their best position. Really happy with Beale's improved form at fullback too.
Lano
Roar Guru
Correct, and Wells may well have been "jolly" with two tries, but "johnny on the spot" is what he was. And, just because he scored two tries doesn't mean he contributed much to the game.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Absolutely ridiculous officiating. Jonkers after the Reece try, uninvited by any ambiguity from the on-field officials: I'm going to take you back to show you a forward pass. Which wasn't a forward pass. And result: try disallowed.
Pete Dossinger
Guest
Is this still a rugby site? Seems well disguised at times. I hoped to read about key points from Round 14 but then that’s purely a rugby article.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Hi John, I didn't see the Crusaders or Highlands game but how far off was RG Snyman from the Bulls in getting a guernsey in this team? I thought he had a very good game against the Rebels- offloading, lineout steals & general play. I feel in the next couple of years he's going to be one to watch? He seems to enjoy his footy as well.
Gazza Meyer
Guest
Pieter-Steph du Toit plays for the Stormers not the Bulls
Adrian
Roar Rookie
Thank the Lord
Rusty
Roar Guru
Im confused.. there is no mention of Israel Folau on this post?
Piripiri
Roar Rookie
Crusaders were ripped off...it wasn’t a surprise at all. Warratahs and highlanders were stiffed too. Lions are getting a free ride by their own officials. I think in the last 3 home games against overseas opposition the penalty count is 43/6 in favour of lions!!!
Andrew Johnson
Guest
His performance on the weekend would certainly put him up there
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Kerevi must now be an irresistible pick for the WB 12, surely? Is breaking the line and offloading almost at will. Closing in on World XV standard? I don’t see enough of the other top 12s to be sure.