JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in the fourth round of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

It’s been a largely successful weekend for South African rugby. The Sharks thumped the Rebels 36-24 in Ballarat to record their second win on tour. The Stormers beat the Jaguares 17-7 at Newlands to take control of the South African conference.

The Vodacom Bulls looked to be on course for their first win of the season until Blues flyhalf Otere Black slotted a penalty goal in injury time. Had the Bulls been more disciplined, there would be three South African victories against overseas opposition to celebrate instead of two.

COLUMN: Stormers, Sharks channel RWC Boks

The Sharks back three continues to excel with its work rate and execution. Makazole Mapimpi and Madosh Tambwe scored three tries between them against the Rebels on Saturday. Mapimpi had the opportunity to complete a hat-trick, but opted to throw a generous final pass to teammate Curwin Bosch.

While Tambwe threatened on attack in Ballarat, Cornal Hendricks produced a fine all-round performance against the Blues in Pretoria. The manner in which he defended and chased put the Blues under pressure in wet conditions.

Andre Esterhuizen was in powerful form Down Under. Bosch made a couple of errors – and will probably want to forget about THAT tackle attempt – but he also produced several inspired plays. The flyhalf contributed 16 points to the Sharks’ cause.

HIGHLIGHTS: Stormers down Jaguares

Sikhumbuzo Notshe continues to thrive in a Sharks gameplan that suits his running and passing strengths. Down in Cape Town, Pieter-Steph du Toit shone in a tough, forward-oriented game, as did back-row partner Jaco Coetzee.

Juandre Kruger produced a typically accurate lineout showing in Pretoria. The veteran lock showed his pace with a searing break through the Blues midfield, and also got stuck in on defence (nine tackles).

Steven Kitshoff and Scarra Ntubeni have formed part of an impressive Stormers scrum this season. The Cape side dominated the Jaguares in this area last Saturday, even when Frans Malherbe was off the park.

Thomas du Toit cracks the nod at tighthead on the back of a strong all-round contribution against the Rebels.

HIGHLIGHTS: Sharks too good for Rebels

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 4)*

15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)

14 Cornal Hendricks (Bulls)

13 Ruhan Nel (Stormers)

12 Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)

11 Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)

10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks)

9 Herschel Jantjies (Stormers)

8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)

6 Jaco Coetzee (Stormers)

5 Juandre Kruger (Bulls)

4 Salmaan Morerat (Stormers)

3 Thomas du Toit (Sharks)

2 Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers)

1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)

*The Lions had a bye in round four

HIGHLIGHTS: Blues snatch late win at Loftus

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (Round 3)*

15 Andries Coetzee (Lions)

14 Sergeal Petersen (Stormers)

13 Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)

12 Dan Kriel (Lions)

11 Courtnall Skosan (Lions)

10 Elton Jantjies (Lions)

9 Godlen Masimla (Stormers)

8 Juarno Augustus (Stormers)

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)

6 Johan du Toit (Stormers)

5 Marvin Orie (Lions)

4 Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)

3 Wilco Louw (Stormers)

2 Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers)

1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)

*The Bulls had a bye in Round 3

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Hollywoodbets



