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DYLAN JACK identifies outstanding South African players based on their performances in the second round of the Currie Cup.
In the second round of the Currie Cup, the Pumas prevailed in the bottom of the table fight against Griquas in Nelspruit, while the Lions scored a penalty after the horn to snatch a 22-19 victory over Western Province in Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, the Vodacom Bulls continued their march with a clinical second-half performance against the Cheetahs, clinching a 40-13 victory and extending their lead at the top of the Currie Cup table to 11 points.
The Bulls have 10 representatives on this week’s squad, including midfielder pair Morne Steyn and Embrose Papier. Steyn didn’t have his best outing when it comes to open play, but he still scored 16 points. There’s also a spot for Marco van Staden, who capped off an excellent performance with a couple of tries, as well as lock couple Walt Steenkamp and Sintu Manjezi, while tight-headed mainstay Trevor Nyakane is also on the team after leaving. from the bench at 30. minute to solidify the scrum.
Away from the Bulls, Lions fullback Tiaan Swanepoel arrives after kicking two long-range penalties and the winning penalty against Western Province. The Cape side also has a representative in Ruhan Nel, who marked his return to the starting lineup with an assist on the try and a solid defensive performance, which included winning a penalty on his own try line.
The Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas also have one representative each. Cheetah loose-headed mainstay Boan Venter was dominant in the scrum, forcing Bulls coach Jake White to replace Marcel van der Merwe at the half hour mark. Eduan Keyter scored a double for Griquas to keep them in contention, while flank Daniel Maartens had a solid impact from the bench, which included scoring what turned out to be the winning try for the Pumas.
CURRIE CUP TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 2)
15 Tiaan Swanepoel (Lions)
14 David Kriel (Bulls)
13 Ruhan Nel (Western Province)
12 Cornal Hendricks (Bulls)
11 Eduan Keyter (Griquas)
10 Morne Steyn (Bulls)
9 Embrose Papier (bulls)
8 Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
7 Daniel Maartens (Cougars)
6 Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5 Walt Steenkamp (Bulls)
4 Sintu Manjezi (Bulls)
3 Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2 Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls)
1 Boan Venter (cheetahs)
* Note: The Sharks had a bye in the second round of the Currie Cup
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images
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