CRAIG LEWIS picks a South African XV based on performances in round nine of Super Rugby.
On a weekend where the Stormers and Lions had a bye, the headline fixture was the highly-anticipated derby between the Sharks and Bulls.
Although the Sharks were regarded as favourites by most leading up to the match, the Bulls enjoyed all-round ascendancy virtually from start to finish as they claimed an impressive 40-10 win.
Behind a dominant pack, Handré Pollard marshalled proceedings with aplomb, while Warrick Gelant produced a Man of the Match performance as he claimed a hat-trick of tries in a standout individual effort.
Considering the domination of the Bulls over the Sharks, as many as 13 players from the Pretoria-based side earn selection in the Team of the Week. Notably, Roelof Smit came on as an early injury replacement for No 8 Hanro Liebenberg, and made a significant impact over the final hour.
The only Sharks representatives are Jean-Luc du Preez, who delivered an industrious effort in a losing cause, and scrumhalf Cameron Wright, who made a positive impact off the bench.
SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 8)
15. Warrick Gelant (Bulls)
14. Johnny Kötze (Bulls)
13. Jesse Kriel (Bulls)
12. Burger Odendaal (Bulls)
11. Divan Rossouw (Bulls)
10. Handré Pollard (Bulls)
9. Cameron Wright (Sharks)
8. Roelof Smit (Bulls)
7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Marco van Staden (Bulls)
5. Lood de Jager (Bulls)
4. RG Snyman (Bulls)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
2. Adriaan Strauss (Bulls)
1. Pierre Schoeman (Bulls)
Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
