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DYLAN JACK identifies outstanding South African players based on their performances in the third round of Super Rugby Unlocked.
The Stormers continued their undefeated start to the season with another comeback effort to narrowly beat the Pumas 42-37 in a thrilling encounter at Nelspruit. Meanwhile, on Saturday the Vodacom Bulls bounced back from a slow start to the competition to overwhelm and outscore the Sharks in a 41-14 bonus point victory in Pretoria.
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Unfortunately, the Lions and Cheetahs players are not listed on this week’s squad after their game scheduled in Johannesburg for Saturday was canceled due to Covid-19 protocols.
Given that they were extremely unlucky not to leave Mbombela Stadium with a win, the Pumas have five players on this week’s squad. Devon Williams outscores Warrick Gelant and David Kriel for fullback spot after a composite display against the Stormers, where he kept his pack going with some well-placed kicks, getting his foot on the ball 16 times Friday night. There’s also a spot for winger Neil Maritz, who scored a couple of tries for the Pumas, and center Wayne van der Bank after being named player of the game this weekend after a performance that included a try, try. assist, 56 meters running. of nine carries, four defenders beaten and two clean breaks.
The Bulls have the most joint reps on the team (six) after what was easily their most comprehensive performance of the early Jake White era. Stedman Gans comes in after his brace against the Sharks, as does the midfielder pair of Morne Steyn and Ivan van Zyl.
Edwill van der Merwe is the only Stormers player on the baseline after he made the most of an unusual start, hitting 94 yards on six carries and beating eight defenders.
In the group, Jeandre Rudolph only surpasses Bulls captain Duane Vermeulen for No. 8 to avoid being a back row of the Bulls. Despite slightly tarnishing his personal record after receiving a yellow card in the second half, Rudolph outscored his opponent Juarno Augustus, scoring a try and a try assist, while making a massive 66 yards, with nine carries. and two line breaks. Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden, another who scored two attempts, make it into the loose trio.
Pumas captain Pieter Janse van Vuren is in the second row with Salmaan Moerat after terrorizing the Stormers lineout. Moerat appears after a forceful performance in open play, beating a defender and making 14 tackles.
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There are two other Stormers players in the front row, joining Trevor Nyakane after he helped turn the scrum battle in favor of the Bulls from the bench in the 30th minute. Rookie prop Leon Lyons enters after a impressive performance in his first start, with six carries and 12 tackles. Bongi Mbonambi is on the hooker after his attempt helped continue the Stormers’ late fight at Nelspruit.
SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 3)
15 Devon Williams (Cougars)
14 Neil Maritz (Cougars)
13 Stedman Gans (Bulls)
12 Wayne van der Bank (Pumas)
11 Edwill van der Merwe (Stormers)
10 Morne Steyn (Bulls)
9 Ivan van Zyl (Bulls)
8 Jeandre Rudolph (Cougars)
7 Elrigh Louw (Bulls)
6 Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5 Pieter Janse van Vuren (Pumas)
4 Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
3 Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2 Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers)
1 Leon Lyons (Stormers)
*Note: Griquas had a break in the second round and the game between the Lions and the Cheetahs was canceled.
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Photo: Anton Geyser / Gallo Images
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