JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in the 12th round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

There were a few difficult calls to make this week following the Sharks’ courageous performance in Christchurch and the Vodacom Bulls’ win over the Waratahs. Only one Stormers player has made the cut after the Cape side’s loss to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

Duane Vermeulen lent the Bulls plenty of grunt at the gainline. His determination was best highlighted when he intercepted a pass by the Waratahs, sprinted upfield, and then handed off the powerfully built wing Curtis Rona before crashing over the line.

Vermeulen misses out on selection, though. Dan du Preez was outstanding for the Sharks in a dominant physical performance against the reigning champs. The Sharks loose forwards combined for a whopping 47 tackles against the Crusaders.

That said, Marco van Staden made an impression against the Waratahs at Loftus Versfeld. The openside flank completed some crucial turnovers for the Bulls.

Both the Sharks and Bulls’ front-rows enjoyed dominance against their respective opponents. Coenie Oosthuizen had one of his strongest games of the season in Christchurch, while Lizo Gqoboka produced another fine performance in the clash against the Waratahs.

Curwin Bosch earns the No 10 spot for the second week running. Handré Pollard had a solid game for the Bulls, though.

RG Snyman shone with ball in hand against the Waratahs. The giant lock completed four offloads – a couple that bordered on outrageous – over the course of the contest.

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 12)
15. Damian Willemse (Stormers)
14. Sbu Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Johnny Kotze (Bulls)
11. Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
10. Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9. Louis Schreuder (Sharks)
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5. RG Snyman (Bulls)
4. Ruben van Heerden (Sharks)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks)
2. Akker van der Merwe (Sharks)
1. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)
The Lions had a bye in round 12

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 11)
15. Damian Willemse (Stormers)
14. Sergeal Petersen (Stormers)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11. Dillyn Leyds (Stormers)
10. Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9. Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Siya Kolisi (Stormers)
5. JD Schickerling (Stormers)
4. Ruben van Heerden (Sharks)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2. Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers)
1. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls)

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix