CRAIG LEWIS picks a form South African XV based on performances in round 10 of Super Rugby.
The Kings and Sharks were the two standout performers from a South African perspective this past weekend, with the former securing a sensational win over the Rebels, while the Durban-based side recorded an important win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
Understandably then, six Kings players are rewarded with inclusion in this round 10 Team of the Week, while four Sharks crack the nod in what was the sort of encounter where some of the forwards really made a considerable impression.
The Lions also got their tour to Australia off to a winning start as they secured a hard-fought win over the Force, and Elton Jantjies securing the bonus point with the final play of the game. However, Jantjies just misses out on selection at flyhalf, where Lionel Cronjé again earns selection after impressing for the Kings.
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It should also be noted that while Kings star Makazole Mapimpi played on the left wing against the Rebels, he is included here at No 14 in order to accommodate the Lions' Courtnall Skosan, who played an important role against the Force.
Of the other South African teams in action this past weekend, both the Stormers and Cheetahs suffered resounding defeats – against the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively – and only one player earns inclusion from these two sides. Cheetahs centre Nico Lee completed 36m, beat two defenders and completed six tackles on a weekend where few of the South African centres really stood out.
It should also be said that Ox Nche was outstanding for the Cheetahs, but just misses out on selection, with Thomas du Toit having made an equally impressive impact for the Sharks in a winning cause.
SA FORM XV (ROUND 10)
15. Masixole Banda (Kings)
14. Makazole Mapimpi (Kings)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Nico Lee (Cheetahs)
11. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
10. Lionel Cronjé (Kings)
9. Louis Schreuder (Kings)
8. Andisa Ntsila (Kings)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Chris Cloete (Kings)
5. Franco Mostert (Lions)
4. Ruan Botha (Sharks)
3. Ruan Dreyer (Lions)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
SA FORM XV (ROUND 9)
15. Clayton Blommetjies (Cheetahs)
14. Jamba Ulengo (Bulls)
13. Jesse Kriel (Bulls)
12. Harold Vorster (Lions)
11. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
10. Lionel Cronjé (Kings)
9. Shaun Venter (Cheetahs)
8. Warren Whiteley (Lions)
7. Ruan Ackermann (Lions)
6. Chris Cloete (Kings)
5. Franco Mostert (Lions)
4. Jason Jenkins (Bulls)
3. Ross Geldenhuys (Kings)
2. Torsten van Jaarsveld (Cheetahs)
1. Charles Marais (Cheetahs)
READ: Super Rugby Power Rankings (Round 10)
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
