CRAIG LEWIS picks a South African XV based on performances in the 11th round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.
The Sharks claimed a first win in Sydney since 2000 when they upset the Waratahs at home on Saturday, while the Stormers also defied expectations as they recorded a fully-deserved victory over the Vodacom Bulls. Unfortunately, the Lions succumbed to a heavy defeat against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The big South African derby was an entertaining encounter, with Damian Willemse and Dillyn Leyds particularly standing out among the backs. Willemse beat six defenders, made 17 carries and 110m, while Leyds superbly set up a try in addition to making 104m, 13 carries and four clean breaks.
The selection at centre often courts controversy, but Damian de Allende’s stats show that he racked up 14 carries, ran 71m and beat five defenders, while he struggled on defence, missing four tackles according to Sanzaar’s statistics. As a result, big Andre Esterhuizen just edges him in this week’s selection after a solid performance for the Sharks.
Meanwhile, it was also good to see Bok captain Siya Kolisi making some return to form, making 14 tackles and completing 11 carries for 27m.
The Du Preez twins, Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez, were both excellent for the Durban-based side against the Waratahs, while lock Ruben van Heerden also got through a mountain of work (eight carries, 18 tackles).
Among the Bulls, credit must go to props Trevor Nyakane and particularly Lizo Gqoboka, who produced another top-class performance in all facets of play.
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)
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 10)
15. Andries Coetzee (Lions)
14. Sbu Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lionel Mapoe (Lions)
12. Elton Jantjies (Lions)
11. Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions)
10. Gianni Lombard (Lions)
9. Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)
8. Warren Whiteley (Lions)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6. Siya Kolisi (Stormers)
5. Marvin Orie (Lions)
4. Stephan Lewies (Lions)
3. Carlu Sadie (Lions)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Sti Sithole (Lions)
The Vodacom Bulls had a bye in round 10
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
