With no Six Nations on offer we look to South Africa where the Super Rugby season kicked off to fuel the latest edition of the Team of the Week.
1 – Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks) Got off to a good start, nothing flashy but strong in the scrum and physical around the field. Played a full 80 minutes in an obvious vote of confidence from his new coach.
2 – Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks) Like his front row partner, also played the full match and did everything asked. Handled his captaincy well and looks set for a big season.
3 – Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) Possibly his best ever outing at tighthead scrum-wise. Big presence in the loose as well, putting in some thumping hits.
4 – Lood de Jager (Cheetahs) The baby-faced assassin had two huge tackles to go with a massive impact at the breakdown and commanding presence in the lineout. With a little extra fitness Springbok honours are a real possibility down the road.
5 – Franco van der Merwe (Lions) The outstanding forward for his side. Handled well, got around the pitch, and did all the little things right. Top effort from the inspirational veteran.
6 – Boom Prinsloo (Cheetahs) The former Blitzbokke star is starting to look at home in XVs. Ran well, tackled well, contributed hugely at the breakdowns. Heinrich Brüssow will have to earn his spot back.
7 – Jacques du Plessis (Bulls) An absolutely massive man for a flanker and, like Eben Etzebeth, frighteningly athletic. Future Springbok written all over him, and sooner rather than later.
8 – Warren Whiteley (Lions) Didn’t have any standout moments but was a constant cog that kept his team in the game. Not physically imposing but an intelligent contributor.
9 – Cobus Reinach (Sharks) Scored a try and created another, he made his more celebrated opposite look very ordinary. A good start under the eye of Jake White.
10 – Marnitz Boshoff (Lions) Has to take the honours despite Patrick Lambie’s good form. Pulled his team from the fire with a magnificent kicking performance that will have the French clubs drooling.
11 – Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) Part of an excellent back three unit. Finished well and put in a couple cracking hits in defense. A ready-made replacement for Bryan Habana.
12 – Frans Steyn (Sharks) Not yet at his best but abrasive with ball in hand and his cross kick was inch perfect. Looks fitter than last year and should get better.
13 – Paul Jordaan (Sharks) Scored a try and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Outplayed his Springbok opponent and could very well usurp him this season.
14 – Cornal Hendricks (Cheetahs) Revelled in his Super Rugby debut, proving more than a handful to put down with each carry. Strong defensively and set to compete for higher honours.
15 – Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) The most electrifying player in South African rugby at the moment, a joy to watch. His team are infinitely more dangerous with him free at fullback rather than shackled on the wing.
