Courtnall Skosan was an automatic choice after his four tries. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images.
Given how much freedom they were afforded by a wayward Reds, it’s little surprise that the Lions dominate our Super Rugby team of the week.
But at least there are a few others to break the monotony – not that many would complain…
15 – Andries Coetzee (Lions)
Granted, he was granted far too much freedom but the reliable fullback was thrilling to watch.
The creator of numerous attacking opportunities on the day.
14 – Madosh Tambwe (Lions)
This is a 19-year-old with a very special future judged on his debut.
Tambwe looked for work on the field, found gaps and, importantly, actually made 9 tackles as well.
That’s the all-round game you want from a modern wing.
13 – Jan Serfontein (Bulls)
Lovely return for the injury-dogged Springbok centre.
His robust tackling will be seen in the coming weeks as he becomes more comfortable and match fit.
But Serfontein’s attacking instincts were superb, leading to two tries for himself.
12 – Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Lions)
The best inside centre in the competition to date.
He’s a wonderful player.
11 – Courtnall Skosan (Lions)
When a wing scores four tries in 80 minutes – that’s one every 20 minutes! – how on earth can you not include him?
One of South African rugby’s most underrated backs.
10 – Niel Marais (Cheetahs)
This wasn’t a great weekend for local flyhalves but the central franchise’s pivot was the best.
The fascinating thing about this burly player is his perseverance and he definitely troubled the Jaguares defence at times.
9 – Louis Schreuder (Kings)
Despite Faf de Klerk enjoying a fun afternoon, the true essence of a scrumhalf is when his side is put on the back foot.
The former Stormers halfback managed the game well and is certainly a useful, experienced face in the Kings line-up.
8 – Warren Whiteley (Lions)
Stellar day at the office for the Lions’ inspirational captain.
7 – Andisa Ntsila (Kings)
There’s something about the Kings and hard-working flankers.
The 23-year-old, who plays for South Western Districts, has shown again what gems are hidden in the lower levels.
Ntisla made an astonishing 17 tackles against the Sharks and carried the ball well when he had the chance.
6 – Jaco Kriel (Lions)
If you thought he merely made this week’s XV because he was an attacking force, think again.
Kriel made 20 bone-crunching tackles and won two turnovers as well.
A supreme, all-round performance.
5 – Lood de Jager (Bulls)
There were perhaps more flashy performers this week but they were also hampered by basic mistakes like handling errors.
The Bok lock was disciplined, strong in the collisions and steady as a line-out option.
4 – Stephan Lewies (Sharks)
The shining light in a poor performance by the Durbanites.
He was initially known as an organiser early in his career but has now blossomed into a versatile, tough competitor.
3 – Ruan Dreyer (Lions)
Uncompromising in the scrums and surprisingly mobile in broken play.
The Lions aren’t missing Julian Redelinghuys at the moment.
2 – Malcolm Marx (Lions)
He’s an extra loose-forward in broken play and is becoming better every week with his basics as hooker.
Springbok material.
1 – Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
He lived up to his nickname of “The Tank”.
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