Currie Cup XV of the week: Cheetahs show claws, Sharks tackle and tackle

15 – ANTHONY VOLMINK (GRIQUAS)

The former Lion has found a new lease of life since his move to Kimberley. Illustrated once again his X-factor with a fabulous individual try, while his positional play was sound.

14 – CORNAL HENDRICKS (BLUE BULLS)

Rassie Erasmus didn’t say he was unlucky to miss out on a Bok recall for nothing. Upheld his high standards in a game where most of his teammates were poor.

13 – BENHARD JANSE VAN RENSBURG (FREE STATE CHEETAHS)

Try time for Benhard Janse van Rensburg of the Free State Cheetahs during the Currie Cup match between Vodacom Blue Bulls and Toyota Free State XV at Loftus Versfeld on July 19, 2019 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images)

The much-maligned former Shark didn’t remotely look comfortable as a flyhalf at senior level, but a move to Bloemfontein and a new position has seen him gradually flourish. Rewarded with a good brace of tries and defended his channel well.

12 – JEREMY WARD (SHARKS)

Beats out quite a few candidates simply because of the pressure of his role in a team under a harsh spotlight. He was at the heart of the Durbanites’ defensive effort against Province and broke the line twice despite only carrying ball four times.

11 – LWAZI MVOVO (SHARKS)

Much like Hendricks, the veteran winger showed a relish for work and reminded all of his nose for the tryline.

10 – TIAN SCHOEMAN (FREE STATE CHEETAHS)

Given that he received an almighty smack to the head early, the Cheetahs pivot recovered well and managed his playbook superbly on a night where his teammates were switched-on.

9 – TIAN MEYER (FREE STATE CHEETAHS)

Another position where there weren’t standout candidates, but the Free State skipper deserves plaudits for a composed if unspectacular performance.

8 – HENCO VENTER (FREE STATE CHEETAHS)

Henco Venter of the Free State Cheetahs during the Currie Cup match between Vodacom Blue Bulls and Toyota Free State XV at Loftus Versfeld on July 19, 2019 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

This underrated, versatile loose forward was outstanding at Loftus. He scored a try, he gained 110 running metres, tackled like a demon, won three line-outs and even stole one. It was an all-action showing.

7 – SIAS KOEN (GRIQUAS)

For the second successive week cracks our nod. The momentum he provides as ball-carrier was eye-catching.

6 – ERNST VAN RHYN (WESTERN PROVINCE)

Ernst van Rhyn of DHL Western Province tackled by Curwin Bosch of Cell C Sharks XV during the Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks XV and DHL Western Province at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Rapidly starting to showcase why he’s been such a highly regarded player at junior and Varsity Cup level. Combined his typically watertight defence with a bustling attacking performance.

5 – RUBEN VAN HEERDEN (SHARKS)

Any player that completes an incredible 30 tackles in one game – six of them dominant – deserves recognition.

4 – SALMAAN MOERAT (WESTERN PROVINCE)

The former Junior Bok captain impressed with a varied performance, one where he actively sought to play a bigger role on attack while never neglecting his more mundane duties.

3 – COENIE OOSTHUIZEN (SHARKS)

Showed his experience with some powerful scrummaging, while he tackled his heart out – to the tune of 22 take-downs.

2 – KERRON VAN VUUREN (SHARKS)

Kerron van Vuuren of the Cell C Sharks XV during the Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks XV and DHL Western Province at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Joined the club of heroes on defence.

1 – OX NCHE (FREE STATE CHEETAHS)

There are still a few question marks over some of his technical skills in the set-pieces, but his dynamism and ball-carrying is something to behold.

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