Graphic: Saffas Abroad

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SA Rugby magazine highlights the top-performing Saffas Abroad during last weekend’s Champions Cup, Challenge Cup and Japanese Top League fixtures.

There have been an array of leading South African players who continue to make their mark in overseas competitions. As our graphic shows, we have picked a Saffas Abroad Team of the Week, while below we highlight some of the standout players and performances.

Cobus Reinach

The Northampton Saints scrumhalf has been in scintillating form since returning to the Premiership club following a victorious World Cup campaign with the Boks. Reinach was at his brilliant best last weekend against Lyon during the final round of Champions Cup pool action.

A turnover in play had him once again display his incredible speed and composure to score for Saints in a famous away victory.

Reinach, who has become a fan favourite at Franklin’s Gardens, also notched a try assist to go with his 18 running metres from six carries, one clean break, 69 passes and four tackles.

Marcell Coetzee

The Ulster eighthman again delivered a big performance for his side in their thrilling victory over Bath. Coetzee scored the opening try of the game, made 48m from 10 physical carries, beat three defenders and made 19 tackles. He also contributed with one clean break, one offload and two turnovers, including a vital one late on when Bath were pushing for a match-equalling try.

Coetzee, who last year admitted to having his eye on the Bok No 8 jersey for the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, has certainly reminded the national selectors of his worth after numerous standout performances for his club this season.

Jacques Vermeulen

The former Sharks flank has been a revelation for the Exeter Chiefs domestically and in Europe this season. His tireless performances and massive work rate have made him a popular figure among the fans at Sandy Park since his arrival in England.

Vermeulen was influential for the Chiefs in their comfortable victory over French side La Rochelle. The loose forward was again a physical presence making 27m from 12 carries, while also beating four defenders and making 10 tackles. His 80-minute performance also included a clean break and two turnovers.

Willie le Roux

The Springbok fullback has been a key attacking threat for Toyota Verblitz in the opening two rounds of the Top League in Japan. Despite his team going down in a heavy defeat by the Panasonic Wild Knights, Le Roux made telling contributions on attack, scoring a try and setting up another with a well-placed kick.

RG Snyman

The towering lock, whose try against the Kubota Spears went viral earlier this week, has been a dominant force since returning to the Top League. Snyman’s stunning solo effort emphasised how much talent the former Vodacom Bulls lock possesses.

He performs his core roles superbly, but his skills and X factor in attack make Snyman such a valuable asset for any team. The 24-year-old’s physical presence in defence and stupendous offloading game are two of his best attributes, but his ability to do the small things well surely makes him one of the most exciting locks in world rugby. Here’s hoping he can be key to the Bok cause for many years to come.

Saffas Abroad Team of the Week

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SA Rugby magazine