JON CARDINELLI picks a South African XV based on performances in round 13 of Super Rugby.

The Bulls were the only South African team to win a match this past weekend. John Mitchell’s side beat the Sharks 39-33 in Pretoria, while the Lions slumped to a 39-27 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin and the Stormers went down 15-9 to the Chiefs in Cape Town.

As a result, this week’s form XV is loaded with Bulls stars. Jesse Kriel and Warrick Gelant shone in the derby at Loftus Versfeld, while tighthead Trevor Nyakane made a big statement against the veteran Beast Mtawarira at scrum time.

That said, there were those who impressed in a losing cause. Franco Mostert made 17 tackles and won six lineouts for the Lions. The Du Preez twins were prominent at Loftus, though, and both are worthy of selection in this week’s team.

REVIEW: Bulls close gap on Lions

SA TEAM OF THE WEEK (ROUND 13)

15. Warrick Gelant (Bulls)

14. Travis Ismaiel (Bulls)

13. Jesse Kriel (Bulls)

12. Damian de Allende (Stormers)

11. S’bu Nkosi (Sharks)

10. Handré Pollard (Bulls)

9. Ivan van Zyl (Bulls)

8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)

7. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)

6. Roelof Smit (Bulls)

5. Lood de Jager (Bulls)

4. Ruan Botha (Sharks)

3. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)

2. Robbie Coetzee (Lions)

1. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)

SA Team of the Week (Round 12)

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images