The penultimate round of the regular 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby competition saw only three South African players make it into the Vodacom Rugby App’s Stats XV.
This is in stark contrast of the previous week when a record number of nine players from the South African Conference made it into the team based on statistics on the App.
Toyota Cheetahs outside centre Francois Venter is the only backline player from the Conference in the Stats XV.
Venter scored two of his sides five tries in a match where 14 five pointers in total were scored between the Cheetahs and the Waratahs.
The 24-year-old has been one of the standout players during the Cheetahs’ campaign and was at the top of this game against the defending champions.
With his ten carries he beat three defenders, made two clean breaks and two offloads for a total of 54 metres while he also contributed defensively by making twelve tackles.
DHL Stormers stalwart Schalk Burger was the top open side flanker over the weekend in his side’s 19-19 draw with the Emirates Lions.
Burger was in a league of his own, defensively with the 23 tackles he executed. He was also ranked second with the 15 carries he made.
With his 15 carries he ran 49 metres and made 12 passes, beating two defenders and making a clean break.
Lions lock Martin Muller is the third member of the South African contingent and the number-one player in the Lineouts won on own throw category with the 10 he took against the Stormers.
Muller also executed six tackles, made seven carries and four passes.
Stats XV team:
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes), 13. Francois Venter (Cheetahs), 12. George Moala (Blues), 11. Matt Carraro (Waratahs), 10. Dan Carter (Crusaders), 9. Nic Stirzaker (Rebels), 8. Victor Vito (Hurricanes), 7. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6. Schalk Burger (Stormers), 5. Dave Dennis (Waratahs), 4. Martin Muller (Lions), 3. Owen Franks (Crusaders), 2. Codie Taylor (Crusaders), 1. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders)
