CRAIG LEWIS picks a South African XV based on performances in round 10 of Super Rugby.
The Lions and Bulls both underlined their class this past weekend as they claimed comfortable wins over the Waratahs and Rebels respectively, while the Sharks clinched a hard-fought victory against the Stormers.
Malcolm Marx was once again a standout performer for the Lions, most notably winning four turnovers as he continues to wreak havoc at the breakdown.
Flanker Kwagga Smith was also superb – making 52m, 11 carries and scoring a try – while wing Madosh Tambwe again caught the eye as he completed 65m, beat six defenders and also dotted down for a five-pointer.
The Bulls were clinical in the manner they overpowered the Rebels, with Warrick Gelant again impressing at fullback (64m made, 13 carries and 10 defenders beaten), while Thembelani Bholi, Lood de Jager and Adriaan Strauss were key performers in the pack.
Although the clash between the Sharks and Stormers was a largely scrappy affair, big Thomas du Toit walked away with the Man of the Match award after producing an industrious performance around the park, while putting in a big scrum effort.
Among the backs, Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi looked good, while Lukhanyo Am scored a crucial try and made as many as 11 tackles in a commendable defensive effort.
For the Stormers, Pieter-Steph du Toit is the solitary player selected as he produced a gallant effort that saw him make 47m, 10 carries and beat four defenders, while completing 13 tackles and effecting three turnovers.
ALSO READ: Super Rugby Power Rankings (Round 10)
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 10)
15. Warrick Gelant (Bulls)
14. Sbu Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Harold Vorster (Lions)
11. Madosh Tambwe (Lions)
10. Handré Pollard (Bulls)
9. Cameron Wright (Sharks)
8. Hacjivah Dayimani (Lions)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6. Kwagga Smith (Lions)
5. Lood de Jager (Bulls)
4. RG Snyman (Bulls)
3. Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)
1. Pierre Schoeman (Bulls)
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
