The past weekend’s results have really tightened things up on the log and now any win or loss could be crucial. The top 4 are all within a win of taking top spot again and the Bulls, with their strong win against the Cheetahs, have shown that they are never out of the running. They hung in there against the Cheetahs, who looked like scoring throughout an open match, but weren’t allowed to cross the line by a spirited Bulls side.

The Lions had a few nippy moments in their match against the Griquas, who although they will have a tough road to make the semi’s are not out of it yet. The biggest match of the weekend delivered some sublime rugby from Western Province, who swept the Sharks off their feet in the first few minutes of their match. The Sharks fought hard to get back within 7 for a bonus point, but they were never going to win against the home side that just looked in the mood to win.

Here are the players that stood out in this round:

15. Gio Aplon

He’s finding some of that magic again, weaving through defences.

14. Gerhard vd Heever

He’s been quiet all Currie Cup, or maybe even since arriving in Cape Town, but started off this game with a bang, which looked to give him confidence for the rest of the game.

13. Juan de Jongh

He pops up everywhere and manages to get across the advantage line with almost every touch.

12. Howard Mnisi

With his burst of speed and strong step, he has been breaking the line more than most this Currie Cup season.

11. Raymond Rhule

The Cheetahs were a little guilty of just shoveling the ball on to the last man in the line, which left no space for the wings, but Rhule does what a few other wings can when hee joins the line and looks for opportunities.

10. Elgar Watts

His try was absolutely outstanding.

9. Marnus Hugo

His service was integral to a few of his teams more electric plays that almost saw his team cause the upset.

8. Jaco Kriel

He’s really quick and he uses it to his full advantage.

7. Jacques Engelbrecht

The Bulls played it smart this week and kept the ball with their big forwards to rumble it up until a few spaces opened up, Engelbrecht managed to get them going forward for most of the match.

6. Deon Fourie

Another vintage Deon Fourie performance, jumping, catching, running, stealing and tackling like a maniac. It seems if Fourie plays well, his team becomes a different challenge.

5. Lood de Jager

The big lock made sure that he got over the advantage line with every carry, even with a couple of defenders hanging onto him.

4. Paul Willemse

He was another one of the go-to guys for the Bulls to get some forward momentum.

3. Pat Cilliers

I don’t think the Sharks had one solid base to work from at the scrums.

2. Scarra Ntubeni

His enthusiasm is backed by his skill, putting Cheslin Kolbe over the line with a pass any scrumhalf would be proud of.

1. Steven Kitshoff

With their scrums demolished it was always going to be hard for the Sharks to get into this game. Kitshoff must have had fun out there.