[ad_1]
DYLAN JACK identifies outstanding South African players based on their performance in the second round of Super Rugby Unlocked.
The Cheetahs continued their excellent start to the South African national Super Rugby tournament in the second round, putting on an excellent defensive performance to beat the Vodacom Bulls 19-17 in Bloemfontein. Meanwhile, the Pumas produced the surprise result of the weekend by claiming a 27-21 victory over Griquas in Kimberley. After a first-round break, the Stormers were rusty but did enough to hold on and beat the Lions 23-17 at Newlands.
INJURY UPDATE: Pienaar hopeful, Petersen ‘out for a while’
While it wasn’t the highest score of the weekends, there were still some outside runners raising their hands for the selection this week. Pumas fullback Devon Williams and wing Neil Maritz justifiably earn their spots on the team, as each scored a try against Griquas. The duo were a constant threat throughout the game, with Williams hitting 51 yards on six carries and getting a try assist, while Maritz, who will play sevens next year, did 97 yards on seven carries, beating two defenders.
They are joined in the last three by Rosko Specman, one of six Cheetahs players on the team, after his performance against one of his former employers.
REPORT: Cheetahs Survive Bulls Fight
The Lions have five players on their team, indicating they were dominant against the Stormers despite finishing on the wrong side of the result. Burger Odendaal was named man of the match after the game, while midfielder pair Elton Jantjies, easily half the way in the country at this point, and Morne van den Berg outplayed opponents. There was also a nice return to form for Jaco Kriel, who was on the Lions’ first try and was typically upbeat at Newlands.
The Stormers, meanwhile, bring two players to the XV, with padlock Salmaan Moerat and Springbok mainstay Steven Kitshoff, the two players who can keep their heads up after what was a disappointing performance from John Dobson’s side.
DOBSON: The Stormers’ win felt like a loss
SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 2)
15 Devon Williams (Cougars)
14 Neil Maritz (Cougars)
13 Odendaal Burger (Lions)
12 Frans Steyn (cheetahs)
11 Rosko Specman (cheetahs)
10 Elton Jantjies (Lions)
9 Morne van den Berg (Lions)
8 Jasper Wiese (cheetahs)
7 Pokomela junior (cheetahs)
6 Jaco Kriel (Lions)
5 Marvin Orie (Lions)
4 Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
3 Luan de Bruin (cheetahs)
2 Reinach Venter (cheetahs)
1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
*Note: Sharks had a goodbye in the second round
Photo: Gallo Images
[ad_2]
