JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in the 14th round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

It was a great weekend for South Africa’s Super Rugby teams. The Vodacom Bulls ended their three-year drought overseas when they beat the Rebels in Melbourne. The Lions outlasted the Highlanders, while the Stormers claimed an unlikely draw with the table-topping Crusaders.

These selections are always a bit tougher to make when the teams in question produce good performances. Aphiwe Dyantyi, Cornal Hendricks, Malcolm Marx and several others had strong games for their respective franchises, but have failed to make the cut on this occasion.

Rosko Specman starred for the Bulls with one try, as well as a truly special try assist. Courtnall Skosan contributed strongly on attack and defence in Johannesburg.

Siya Kolisi cut the Crusaders line and then stepped the fullback to score a cracking try at Newlands. The Stormers captain shone as a ball-carrier and defender, and his decision to take the draw at the end of the contest may prove crucial in a tight race for playoff places.

There’s space for Kwagga Smith and Duane Vermeulen in the team this week, although both packed down at No 8 for their respective sides.

RG Snyman produced another colossal attacking showing for the Bulls, with two clean breaks and three offloads. The big lock won five lineouts, and also managed to steal one off the Rebels’ throw.

Schalk Brits made 18 tackles in Melbourne, more than any other South African player in round 14. Even at the age of 38, Brits evidently has the appetite for a big defensive shift.

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

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 13)
15. Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
14. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
13. Lionel Mapoe (Lions)
12. Harold Vorster (Lions)
11. Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions)
10. Curwin Bosch (Sharks)
9. Louis Schreuder (Sharks)
8. Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Kwagga Smith (Lions)
5. Ruan Botha (Sharks)
4. Hyron Andrews (Sharks)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
The Stormers had a bye in round 13

Photo: Julian Smith/EPA/BackpagePix