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SARugbymag.co.za looks at five players who stood out in the first weekend of the South African national Super Rugby Unlocked.
Memorial and Sharks (Sharks)
After a quiet game, by his standards, in the Super Fan Saturday loss to the Vodacom Bulls, Notshe returned to his best against the Lions, putting on a man-of-the-match display to help the Sharks start their campaign with a win.
Unsurprisingly, Notshe was tireless with the ball in hand, playing the full 80 minutes and hitting 68 yards on six carries, the most of any player involved in the match, while also beating two defenders, making two jumps. line and downloaded once.
On defense, Notshe completed all seven tackle attempts and earned a turnover as the Sharks were forced to defend their lead with the Lions gaining confidence in attack.
Notshe’s loose forward teammate and former Junior Springbok captain Phendulani Buthelezi also shone for the Sharks, hitting 49 meters on seven carries and playing a role in her only attempt of the game, while rookie Manie Libbok was as confident as houses under the high ball. on defense and beat five defenders.
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Frans Steyn (cheetahs)
In his long-awaited official debut with the Cheetahs, Steyn brought everything viewers would have wanted from the Springbok veteran.
In an influential performance, Steyn was not only a mere physical presence in the Cheetahs midfield, but he also unleashed others on the outside when the Cheetahs scored eight attempts against the Pumas.
Steyn also used his trademark cannon boot to good effect, putting up a series of long-range punts, but he also brought a subtle element to that with a pair of well-placed grubbers to keep the Pumas on the defensive.
In total, on offense, Steyn made nine carries over 18 yards, outscoring three defenders while also making 11 passes and assisting on two attempts.
A nod should also go to the Cheetahs, three from Clayton Blommetjies, Malcolm Jaer, scorer of a memorable hat-trick, and Rosko Specman, who exploited every space they were given.
On his return to the Cheetahs, Specman hit a massive 154 meters on nine carries, doing three line jumps and he too could have had a hat-trick, but he selflessly gave one of his three try chances to Captain Ruan. Pienaar.
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Neil Maritz (Cougars)
In a game where the Pumas struggled heavily, Maritz was one of the few players who gave his fans something to scream about.
The 26-year-old former Sharks wing came to life in the second half as the Pumas looked to put some respect on the scoreboard. It was one of the few genuine threats the Cheetahs faced, even though the game was over and dusted at that stage.
Maritz, who has a contract of seven for 2021 and 2022, did 39 meters on five carries and beat a total of six defenders (the most of any play in the first round) and earned a well-deserved try when he cut the defense of the Cheetahs at the last minute. of game.
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Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls)
The Bulls were largely disappointing despite their opening win over Griquas and were flattered by scoring 30 points. There was an expectation that Jake White’s team would flee with the match, until they encountered an aggressive Griquas defense that allowed Kimberley’s men to build a base from which they led twice in the match.
As White pointed out in his postgame press conference, the Bulls decided to change tack at halftime and go for a more direct approach in the second half. This is where Van Staden shined in bringing robustness to the Bulls game.
Springbok’s flank with three chapters made a total of 13 carries, more than any other Bulls player, and beat five defenders, for a total of 33 meters. On defense, he didn’t miss any of his nine tackles and won a turnover for his team.
It was a similar performance to Francois Louw in his prime. With a Louw-sized hole on the Springbok roster following the retirement of the veteran from all over rugby this year, Van Staden proved he can be a suitable replacement if he can take advantage of this performance.
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Zak Burger (Griquas)
Easily identifiable by his retro flair, Burger was at the heart of all the good Griquas did against the Bulls and was deservedly named man of the match despite finishing on the losing end.
The 22-year-old former Junior Bok and Sharks player played the full 80 minutes and rushed to the break, ensuring Griquas made the most of his possession at Loftus.
On offense, Burger made 44 passes, but was also a threat on the margins, making six carries and a clean break. On defense, Burger completed six of his 10 tackle attempts and was one of the Griquas players to win a turnover as they flooded the breakdown.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp / Gallo Images
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