Bulls storm their way into our Super Rugby XV of the week
Those record-breaking Lions are at it again but at least we can finally celebrate the talented backliners at the Bulls too!
Kings winger Makazole Mapimpi continued his excellent season. Photo: Juan Mabromata/AFP.
Despite the Lions hogging the spotlight again with a record victory over the clueless Sunwolves, it was pretty heartening that their players weren’t the only ones to shine.
In fact, having one team dominate so clearly isn’t a sign of a healthy game.
As a result, we’re pretty chuffed that the Bulls feature again.
15 – Warrick Gelant (Bulls)
The former Junior Springbok star has found his attacking verve again.
He ran beautiful line for his hat-trick of tries and even defended stoutly.
A massive talent with genuine X-factor.
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Stormers)
The diminutive playmaker reminded everyone of his try-scoring ability with a hat-trick in Bloemfontein.
But it was his stable goalkicking – even though it’s not his forte – that kept the Stormers ahead against spirited opponents.
He truly looked like a senior pro.
13 – Jesse Kriel (Bulls)
He continues to prosper with his Springbok partner on his inside but what was really impressive was his tackling.
Kriel completed 11 (one of them dominant), didn’t miss a single one and even made two turnovers.
That’s the type of “unfashionable” work you want a midfielder to do too.
12 – Jan Serfontein (Bulls)
This man is currently the best backline player in South African rugby.
And his stats said it all: 65 running meters, three try-assists, three turnovers and 11 tackles.
World class.
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Kings)
Brilliant once again in a backline that oozes confidence.
The Cheetahs seem to bought themselves a star for next season.
10 – Elton Jantjies (Lions)
The Springbok flyhalf can do no wrong at the moment.
And it seems he’s actually picked up a bit of pace.
9 – Ross Cronje (Lions)
It wasn’t a particularly taxing game to play in but Cronje never looked complacent.
Instead, he simply maintained his high standards.
8 – Andisa Ntsila (Kings)
At stages his overeager nature gets the better of him, but his link play is outstanding and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.
7 – Kwagga Smith (Lions)
A spectacular performance from the Blitzboks star.
In an open game, his superior attacking skills as a seasoned sevens players was simply too hot to handle and even on the rare occasions when he had to defend was he dominant.
6 – Jaco Kriel (Lions)
Let’s put it this way: Not even six defenders could stop him from scoring his first try on the night.
5 – Franco Mostert (Lions)
He only played 46 minutes but he was absolutely everywhere.
And he even had time to steal a lineout too!
4 – RG Snyman (Bulls)
Robust performance from a man who hasn’t played anywhere near his potential this season.
Snyman was a massive presence on defence and was dominant in the collisions.
3 – Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
He’s steadily growing in stature.
The great thing about his performance in Bloem is that he didn’t concede a single penalty.
That’s a triumph in itself.
2 – Malcolm Marx (Lions)
This bulldozer is simply unstoppable.
1 – Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
The “Tank” was the exception of a Sharks pack that was outmuscled by the Bulls.
He’s a mean ball-carrier and defended like a man possessed – making three dominant tackles.
Click here for the previous XV.
For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.
